There are a number of possible reasons that might explain why the Google Glass failed, but it seems that Snap Inc. took a page off Google's playbook, ripped it to pieces and reinvented the wearable smartglasses concept with a spanking new mass-market appeal element that was absent in Google Glass.
Surely, Snap Inc.'s Spectacles isn't nearly as advanced and innovative as Google Glass, but it makes sense as an extension of the ultra-popular Snapchat app. Who doesn't want brief 10-seconders filmed right from stylish spectacles? But there's one market Snap Inc. might have forgotten — people who already wear glasses.
Snapchat Spectacles Prescription Lenses
Fortunately, New York-based lens maker Rochester Optical is making sure that glasses-wearing individuals aren't left out of the fun. The company is now offering a service that outfits Spectacles with prescription lenses. Prices start at $99 for single-standard vision lens, $149 for high-index lens and photochromic or polarized lenses for $199. While it's good that more people can jump on the Spectacles craze, Rochester Optical's price points are quite lofty, hovering near the Spectacle's at $130.
How to Order Prescription Lenses For Spectacles
Those interested may place an order through Rochester Optical's site and send the Spectacles to them. The processing time, according to the company, range from two to three days upon receiving the frames, with an additional day allotted for shipping.
This is not the first time Rochester Optical has dabbled with wearable technology, having already launched products for other augmented and virtual reality devices such as the aforementioned Google Glass, Microsoft's HoloLens and Intel's Recon Jet, among others. Taking on the Spectacles won't be a challenge for the optics company.
"We already cut similar notches in lenses for Google Glass to accommodate the [head-up display], so cutting rounded notches in the lens corners to work around the Spectacle cameras is very similar," said Patrick Ho, the company's chief executive.
How To Buy Snap Inc.'s Spectacles
The Spectacles are available from so-called "Snapbot" vending machines, placed in a new location every 48 hours. Customers may also purchase it from a pop-up store in New York. Spectacles are selling like hotcakes, though, so it's best to secure one immediately before stocks run out.
Snap Inc. announced Spectacles late September alongside a "Snap Inc." as the company's new name. The stylish spectacles lineup comes integrated with a video camera that connects to Snapchat via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
What do you think of Snap Inc.'s Spectacles? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
