Snap reportedly working on 2nd gen Spectacles that may include AR capabilities

Snap is said to be working on a sequel to its video recording glasses, Spectacles, according to a report from TechCrunch. Citing a person with knowledge of the plans, TechCrunch said the new glasses could be “quite radical,” and a notable departure from last year’s glasses, though precisely how isn’t yet clear.

One notion is that Snap would target AR functionality for its potential new wearable: it rolled out live filters to its Snapchat app in an April update, and Mashable recently picked up a Snap patent that suggested it’s developing glasses with AR capabilities. Whatever happens, it sounds like the new glasses will be more than just Spectacles with higher resolution video recording and better battery life.

A separate source told TechCrunch that the developments are being closely guarded, and that, “Few of Snap’s 1,800 staff are aware of the product’s details or when it will ship.” With that in mind, you might not be surprised to learn that price and availability details weren’t noted.

Spectacles first launched in the US in November, 2016, but it wasn’t until last week that they finally appeared in Europe. They originally went on sale priced at $129.99 and were available from dedicated pop-up vending machines. They can now be purchased online.

This is just a rumor for the moment, but it seems like Spectacles have so far been a marketing success for Snap if nothing else; it’s possible that Snap would be interested in a follow-up. For our full Spectacles review, hit the link.