Snap's new Spectacles are smart glasses that aim to mask the real world with graphics of all kinds, fully committed to true augmented reality

The new Spectacles are targeted at creators, as they are not offered to the general public, and the glasses feature a proper AR "Dual Wave Glide" display to overlay effects on top of what the wearer is seeing

These effects are created with Snapchat's software tools In other words, AR features could be used for everything from providing virtual information about a real location to fun artistic features like a digital butterfly that "lands" on the wearer's hand

Unlike previous versions of Spectacles, which featured a bright, playful design, the AR version looks sharp and serious Instead of rounded frames and easily recognizable lenses, it has an angular aesthetic and a subtle front-facing camera that may not be apparent at first glance

The frame also features four built-in microphones and two stereo speakers As for navigation, there is a small touchpad on the side that allows the user to switch between a library of AR effects

According to The Verge's report on these new smart glasses, the AR Spectacles weigh 134 grams, have a display brightness of up to 2,000 nits, and take about 30 minutes to charge

These specs are bad news for those who have been waiting for AR glasses that they actually want to wear Battery life is tedious for everyday use, and at 134 grams (03 pounds) they are a bit heavy for headgear

Perhaps that is why the glasses are only available to developers and creators, not consumers The company is apparently looking to hire talented AR creators who can build engaging experiences on the Lenses platform

Of course, Snap is not suggesting that the limited availability of AR Spectacles has anything to do with the poor sales of the previous model There could be any number of reasons why the first, second, and third generation models failed to gain momentum Not only did the design feel gimmicky, but the smart glasses only benefited Snapchat users

Prices were not cheap either The latest generation Spectacles 3 cost $380, which is quite a price for what is essentially an app accessory

The price of the AR glasses is still unknown, but the new features will no doubt make them more expensive than previous models