Snap, the company known for its social media platform and AR glasses, has unveiled Snap OS 2.0, the latest iteration of its smart glasses software. I recently had the opportunity to test it at Snap’s London offices, giving me a glimpse of what to expect from their upcoming consumer-ready smart glasses set to launch in 2026.
Back in 2016, Snap introduced its original Spectacles, marking a shift from software to hardware. Over the years, the company has refined its approach, focusing on creating a more immersive experience for users. With Snap OS 2.0, Snap is taking a step further towards revolutionizing the way we interact with AR technology.
During my hands-on experience with Snap OS 2.0, I was particularly impressed by three key features and identified an area that could use some improvement before the final release. Additionally, I had the opportunity to try out the new Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) smart glasses.
Connected sessions are a game-changer
One of the standout features of Snap OS 2.0 is its Connected Sessions. I had the chance to join a session hosted by Snap’s Augmented Reality Engineer, Andreas Müller, where we could interact in real-time within the same physical space. The seamless collaboration and low latency of the hand-tracking technology showcased the potential for local collaboration and multiplayer experiences.
Enhanced Spotlight, Browser, and Gallery functionalities
Spotlight, Browser, and Gallery are three new additions to Snap OS 2.0 that enhance the user experience. Spotlight allows for immersive interaction with vertical content, while Browser introduces WebXR support for a more seamless web browsing experience. The Gallery feature enables users to view and organize captured content in a chronological manner, including support for stereoscopic media.
AI-powered sound and vision capabilities
The latest AI integrations in Snap OS 2.0 bring a new level of interactivity to Spectacles. Features like Spatial Tips and Super Travel leverage AI to provide real-time information and translations, enhancing the overall AR experience for users.
Addressing the need for sleeker Spectacles
While the technological advancements in Snap’s Spectacles are impressive, the form factor leaves room for improvement. The current design, while functional, may not be the most ergonomic or aesthetically pleasing. To make Spectacles more appealing for everyday use, Snap may need to focus on creating a more compact and stylish design.
Despite the design considerations, the technological capabilities of Snap OS 2.0 are certainly something to look forward to.
