Are Snapchat Secretly Working on Smart Glasses?
 |
| HNGN |
When it comes to AR, Snapchat have a good idea of how it works and what people want from it. Even though their lenses might seem silly to some people, they actually show how something like AR can function on something as simple as a phone. It's complicated technology that at the moment Snapchat currently wears the crown for. The big question is this: will people be willing to buy wearable tech from Snapchat or would it just be something that a few rich teenagers own and use?
As it is we don't actually have any confirmation of what Snapchat plan to do, just a lot of evidence that seems to point that way. Other than the fact AR is very much Snapchat's thing, they have recently hired a recruiter who formerly worked for Microsoft on the Hololens. Their Engineering Director used to create AR experiences for smart phones and glasses at a vision based AR company and they've recently hired a woman who designed glasses frames for Michael Kors, as well as Innovega, who make mixed reality glasses. These hires all seem to suggest that they're looking into not only wearable tech but into making it stylish, something that most wearable tech isn't.
The biggest question when it comes down to this possible technology is how would they make it work? Snapchat is mostly used by teenagers and they're unlikely to be able to afford smart glasses let alone actually want to buy them. Even if they manage to make them the most stylish glasses in the world, they're still going to seem rather nerdy.
Microsoft on the other hand are known for their technology and have been able to find and highlight various different applications for the tech from astronauts using it on Space Stations to people being able to play Minecraft in an amazing new way. The Hololens is for tech savvy people of all jobs and interests, whereas Snapchat's current target market is very different.
Of course, Snapchat could be planning on making changes to either make smart glasses more attractive to younger users or they could already plan on widening their target market by improving on what their AR can do. As long as they don't make the same mistakes as Google did with their recording technology and unattractive glasses they might be okay.
But until we hear back from Snapchat we have no way of knowing. For now I'd like to picture someone being able to stand there putting the various different Snapchat lenses across their friends faces without them knowing. It’s a funny image though unlikely considering it could make a lot of people uncomfortable.
Rosina is a Songbird rookie with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is hoping that Content Writing will turn out to be a good career choice in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Are Snapchat Secretly Working on Smart Glasses?
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.