There is a reason why Google Glass didn’t make it. It wasn’t cool. It was expensive and didn’t really look like it fit in this decade or any decade really. When Snap, Inc., Snapchat’s umbrella company, announced that it was making video-recording sunglasses called Spectacles, no one thought it would be main stream. But here we are.
Snap wasn’t known to make any hardware. At most, they had cool branded towels and plush ghosts you could buy. But outta nowhere, Spectacles went on sale, available only through yellow pop-up vending machine. The first was near the company’s original headquarters in Venice, California. They finally made it to New York City in November where I was able to pick up a pair. Here are my first impressions.
The first thing you’ll notice is that they actually look like sunglasses. This is a huge thing the other wearables missed. Google Glass looks like a toy you buy in the 99 cents store and the packaging reads “FUTURE MAN GLASSES Ages +5.” Spectacles looks funky and cool.
Glad I caught this on @Spectacles. @MrGMSI_BCage destroying it at @WWNEVOLVE pic.twitter.com/vN8140ZPMf
— Diego Leon (@DandyintheBronx) December 11, 2016
Videos are taken in a circle format
Spectacles take video in 10 second clips. It’s activated by pressing a button on the top of the glasses. You can click on it again to extend the recording. Videos are uploaded via bluetooth to Memories where you can edit clips and upload them to your Story.
A light shines to let you, and others, know that you are recording. This light is visible when you have the glasses on and start to pulse when 10 seconds are about to end. Videos are taken in a circle format. Best viewed on Snapchat, you are able to rotate your phone view more of the video. However, you can download them and upload anywhere you’d like.
I love the first person experience Spectacles offers while also not having me look like a werido as I record. I’ve brought them to many events and they are always a conversation starter. I’m still trying to figure out what is the best content for Spectacles. Extreme sports? Driving? Dancing? Spectacles aren’t waterproof so don’t deep sea dive with them (yet). However, doing unboxings or going to a live perforamce has been my go to. Walkthroughs of a space has also been a favorite with Spectacles.
How to wear Spectacles? I’ve been adding them to my everyday suits and I feel that they work seamlessly. With black, red, and choral, you’ll find glasses for any situation.
My only issue is the amount of time it takes to get videos from the glasses to your phone. Bluetooth is slow. Memories is buggy sometimes and while I haven’t lost any videos yet due to crashing, it will happen from time to time.
I’m going to continue to make content on Snapchat with Spectacles. I can’t wait to see what else Snap Inc. makes! Follow me along on Snapchat and see how I fit it into my life. Have any questions? Let me know!
UPDATE: Spectacles are now available on Amazon.
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Thanks for reading, and follow me on Twitter: @DandyInTheBronx 😎
-Diego
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