Snap Partners with Qualcomm in Augmented Reality Venture
Snap Inc. has forged a new partnership between its augmented reality glasses subsidiary, Specs, and the chip manufacturer Qualcomm, gearing up for the anticipated launch of its wearable technology later this year.
The creator of Snapchat has been hinting at the debut of its glasses, known as Spectacles or simply Specs, for some time now. Earlier in the year, Snap spun off a dedicated company to concentrate on this initiative. However, in February, the firm faced a setback with the sudden departure of Scott Myers, its Senior Vice President of Specs, following reported tensions with Snap CEO Evan Spiegel.
The recent collaboration with Qualcomm revitalizes the project, with Specs set to utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms. These advanced systems-on-a-chip are tailored specifically for augmented and virtual reality devices, as outlined in the company’s press announcement.
Under this multi-year strategic agreement, the two companies will collaborate to develop “on-device AI, cutting-edge graphics, and advanced multiuser digital experiences,” further enhancing the Specs offering.
Spiegel expressed optimism regarding the partnership, stating, “Our work with Qualcomm provides a strong foundation for the future of Specs, bringing developers and consumers advanced technology and performance that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.”
The journey of Specs has been a protracted one, with Snap initiating the development of the product over a decade ago. The last consumer iteration of the glasses hit the market in 2019. More recently, since 2024, these glasses have transitioned to a developer-only model, allowing Snap to explore innovative applications that they hope will attract users at the time of the official launch.
As Snap continues to navigate the volatile landscape of augmented reality, this partnership with Qualcomm could prove pivotal in enhancing Specs’ capabilities and ensuring its competitiveness in the wearables market.