In a bid to jump from software, Snapchat joins the Bluetooth Special Interest Group or SIG, indicating a big push toward hardware and a possibility of AR glasses in tow.
Before this development came to light, the company acquired Vergence Labs in 2014, a start-up that works on smart eyeglasses similar to the Google Glass. It followed up that move by hiring experts in the field back in March, including former recruiter for the Microsoft HoloLens Mark Dixon and eyewear designer Lauryn Morris, to name a few.
According to the Financial Times, analysts say that companies only join the organization to develop a physical product with Bluetooth capability, and to put two and two together, that means it's out to make some sort of wearable tech.
As a confirmation, Snapchat is already a part of the list of members on the Bluetooth SIG official website in which the app developer signed up for a unique company identifier.
Considering the nature of Snapchat and recent undertakings, the firm is likely to launch a pair AR goggles, particularly how the wide range of filters on the app is already technically AR technology, as it mixes parts of the real and virtual worlds together. Needless to say, the connection between the app on the smartphone and the eyewear is probably going to be powered by Bluetooth technology.
Of course, nothing's set in stone just yet, and there is perhaps an off-chance that it's going to unveil a completely different AR device from eyeglasses.
To sum things up, Snapchat is now affiliated with the Bluetooth SIG, and it's a clear sign that the company intends to roll out a piece of hardware in the foreseeable future. Also, that's backed up by the numerous hires and acquisition that it has made over the past few years.
It's also worth mentioning that if it indeed pushes through plans of AR glasses, it's going head-to-head against the likes of the Facebook-owned Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, the Samsung Gear VR and many others.
In other related Snapchat-related news, the company appears to be facing a strong competition from Instagram, who recently announced the addition of a new feature that suggests new users to follow on Stories.
With all said and done, what do you think of an AR device from Snapchat? Feel free to hit us up in our comments section below and let us know what's on your mind.
