Snap's New AR Spectacles Criticized by Former Engineer as 'Disaster'

Snap's New Augmented Reality Spectacles: A Controversial Launch

Snap Inc. has unveiled its latest generation of augmented reality Spectacles, but the response has been anything but positive. Sterling Crispin, a former design engineer at Snap, publicly criticized the new device, calling it "a disaster." His negative feedback raises questions about the potential of Snap's AR technology and the future of wearable devices.

A Harsh Critique from an Insider

Sterling Crispin took to X to share his thoughts on the recent launch, stating, "I worked on these for about a year at Snap, and I have a million negative things to say about the experience and the device, but I think the product speaks for itself and is obviously bad. I hate these things." His comments point to deeper issues within the design and development process of the Spectacles.

Snap's Response to Criticism

In light of the criticism, Snap spokesperson Cassie Bumgarner addressed Crispin's comments, noting that he left the company before some key design decisions were made. "This individual departed Snap before key hardware and software design decisions for this version of Spectacles had been made," she stated.

Balancing Features and Limitations

Crispin highlighted the inherent conflicts in AR and VR device design, such as:

• Size and weight
• Performance
• Battery life
• Production scale

Despite these challenges, he was particularly critical of the poor balance of features in the new Spectacles, describing them as "a set of very bad decisions that compounded, making them even worse." According to him, it was widely acknowledged among the development team that several issues existed with the product.

A Limited Release

In a surprising move, Snap has decided not to sell these new glasses to the general public. Instead, they will be available only to a select group of Snapchat AR developers who are required to pay $99 per month to rent them, with a minimum rental term of one year. This highlights Snap's cautious approach as it navigates the developmental challenges surrounding AR eyewear.

The Business of AR Glasses

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel acknowledged that he does not anticipate AR glasses becoming a meaningful business until the end of the decade. As expectations for consumer adoption remain low, the company is looking to engage developers by showcasing the potential applications of AR through its new platform.

Industry Reactions

Critics have pointed out that the new Spectacles feature:

• A limited battery life of just 45 minutes
• A 46-degree field of view, which is an improvement but still underwhelming when compared to prior models

Online opinions from users on platforms like Reddit and X have been less than favorable, with many expressing skepticism regarding the device's practicality and functionality.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Snap?

As Snap gears up for the future of augmented reality, the roadmap remains uncertain. With internal critiques and external skepticism, the company faces significant challenges in the market. Only time will tell if they can address these numerous issues and come up with a product that resonates with both developers and consumers alike.