Snapchat Spectacles Revolutionize AR Experience with GPS-Enhanced Navigation and Advanced Hand Tracking Features

Snapchat marked the six-month anniversary of the rollout of its latest fifth-generation Snapchat Spectacles on Monday, revealing a suite of new AR effects and features for its augmented reality (AR) eyewear. The lenses, referred to by the company as their AR effects, can now utilize GPS, GNSS, compass headings, and personalized locations for real-time navigation based on waypoints. Additionally, users can benefit from leaderboards, a system AR keyboard, and enhanced hand-tracking functionalities.

Enhanced Capabilities for Snapchat Spectacles

In a recent newsroom announcement, Snapchat shared insights about the new functionalities available for Snapchat Spectacles. Developers now have the capability to create lenses utilizing GPS, GNSS, compass direction, and custom-defined locations for these AR glasses. One highlighted example is NavigatAR, a sample Lens created by Utopia Labs, designed to assist users in transitioning from one location to another via GPS, Snap Map Tiles, and compass direction. Furthermore, the Pioneer Lens facilitates the construction of AR walking routes.

Users can also engage in unique experiences with Peridot Beyond, which now allows for interaction with their Dot and their friends’ Dots during the same session. This integration aims to provide a more seamless experience by linking Spectacles with the Peridot mobile game. Additionally, Wabisabi’s Doggo Quest employs SnapML to recognize pets and superimpose visual effects onto the AR glasses.

Sports fans will appreciate the new functionality rolled out in the fifth-generation Spectacles; the Basketball Trainer introduces an AR holographic coach and shooting practice drills that automatically log scores using SnapML.

Alongside the new lenses, Snapchat has introduced a revamped system keyboard to Snapchat Spectacles that features both full and numerical layouts. The AR glasses can now also integrate lenses and leaderboards to track top performers. Users have the ability to access lenses directly from messaging platforms such as Snapchat, iMessage, and Google Messages.

New hand-tracking features have also been implemented. According to the platform, a phone detection feature recognizes when users are holding a phone, while gestures such as grabbing and other adjustments aim to minimize false triggers when typing.

In addition, Snapchat has launched a new initiative dubbed Spectacles Community Challenges, where Spectacles developers can earn cash rewards for either creating new lenses or updating existing ones. Submissions will be assessed based on engagement, technical quality, and the overall caliber of the lenses. The inaugural challenge commences on April 1, with eligibility for prizes in May.