Recently, social media giant Snap have been hard at work on their own AR solutions. Augmented reality is not a new area for Snap as through their Snapchat app, there has been many examples of WebAR use through their platform.
Using their Lens Studio platform, Snap have been giving creatives the chance to experiment and play with their AR tools; giving developers the ability to create AR experiences in Snapchat’s advertising spaces.
Here snapchat have a strong and dedicated user base who are already incredibly savvy to AR. This has given Snap a unique built in AR audience and it only makes sense that they transition into AR hardware.
Now Snap are taking the next step, introducing their own “Spectacles “AR headset. These are not meant for consumer use (as least, not yet), instead they are intended for developers and creators to create their own AR experiences.
The Spectacles contain two cameras and four microphones. There are also various methods of interaction, one being the touchpad, the other being button inputs. Snap’s Spectacles also have voice recognition software built-in, by saying “Hey Snapchat” the user will be able to give commands to the headset. It is impressive that such a lightweight piece of kit has so much hardware and software hidden within it.
How can Developers use Snap’s Spectacles:
Earlier this month Snap published a report on rising AR adoption trends and market strategies, in this report they prove the AR market’s worth and potential consumer behaviours.
“Today, there are more than 100 million consumers shopping with AR online and in stores.” – Via Snapchat’s Report
This is a massive potential customer base for Snap, or other groups, to pick up on. Snap also worked with Deloitte Digital, interviewing over 15,000 consumers over 15 countries. The report by snapchat had 5 key takeaways:
- By 2025, 75% of the global population and most mobile users will be AR adopters.
- 73% of people can successfully identify AR.
- 65% of AR consumers use it to have fun.
- 76% of people desire to use AR as a “tool.”
- There is 94% higher conversion rate when customers interact with products that have an attached AR experience.
Important statistics, customers can not only identify AR; but they understand its use as a tool. An audience who are able to identify these traits means that campaigns using AR will be understood and interacted with by most customers.
Presenting these figures alongside the news of Spectacles, lays an outline showing developers the potential of using Snap’s new AR solution over others.
With a built-in user base of 280 million daily users on Snapchat, there is a platform filled with identified and experienced AR users here. An audience ready to embrace AR campaigns; that have been developed for and with the AR Spectacles technology.
