Snapchat's Spectacles 'Model 002' Appears in FCC Filing With Improved Wi-Fi and Hint at Redesign

[MacRumors]

Late last night the Federal Communications Commission published a new filing for a "wearable video camera" that was registered by Snap Inc and designated as "model 002." The filing is believed to be for the rumored second iteration of Snapchat's Spectacles device, with multiple snippets from the redacted documents specifically referencing the "Spectacles" brand.

According to the filing, which was spotted by Variety, one of the changes coming to the second version of Spectacles revolves around support for the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard. This will help the glasses "support faster file transfers in the 5GHz band," improving upon the first generation's transfer speed issues. The second model will also support Bluetooth 4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy).

The packaging label also appears in the filing, mentioning the wearable device will carry a Made For iPhone certification and come with the Spectacles, a carrying case, and a charging cable -- similar to the original pair.

Image via FCC​

Additionally, Variety noted a snippet that could suggest the frames will be redesigned in the second generation.

Also notable: Snap's original Spectacles featured a FCC ID label on the inside of the temples. The new version will instead come with an electronic ID label, accessible within the Snapchat app, which could suggest a redesigned frame.

A previous rumor from last month suggested that the 2018 update to the Spectacles will be water resistant, fix bugs, improve performance, and add new color options, but otherwise refrain from implementing any "dramatic changes." That same report also stated that a third-generation pair of Spectacles is expected for 2019 with an all-new design, built-in GPS, two camera lenses, and better camera technology for "3D-like depth effects" in videos.

Although Snapchat has now filed with the FCC, it's still unclear when the new Spectacles will actually launch to the public. Both rumored upcoming versions of the Spectacles are said to incorporate AR abilities of some kind, which could potentially compete with Apple's long-rumored "Apple Glasses," if and when those come to market. Right now, Apple is searching for the "most compelling application" for AR glasses by working on "several different kinds" of prototypes.

Article Link: Snapchat's Spectacles 'Model 002' Appears in FCC Filing With Improved Wi-Fi and Hint at Redesign

 

[harriska2]

Hmm, if the style hasn’t changed I’ll have to pass. And those are huge cameras.

 

[SoN1NjA]

I think it's a mistake not including BT 5.0 in the next generation, especially considering the price point they proposed last time

 

[BigJohno]

These are still a thing?

 

[DipDog3]

Do they record in 4K?

 

[lobbyist]

I like how - right or wrong - they just double down on their convictions and ideas. Just like their whole app redesign debacle.

Don’t let the outside world dictate your vision (no pun).

 

[Chuck Kostalnick]

They're using the wrong version of the MFi Logo... smh.

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/03/12/apple-updates-made-for-iphone-ipad-ipod-logos/

 

[19callum93]

Do people seriously wear those things?

 

[WWPD]

Throw in a free Zune and I'll buy one..maybe.

 

[Mathias Denichi]

I dont know why they bother. All it will take is Apple, Microsoft or Google to partner with Luxotica, and its dead in the water.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I like how their product numbers are three digits, as if they will get to 100+ products. I'm pretty sure it could be a single digit product number.

 

[dontwalkhand]

These are stupid and there’s a significant number of the population who can’t use them at all due to the fact that WE WEAR GLASSES TO SEE.

However I suppose putting on contacts and wearing these would solve that.

Still stupid.

 

[Mac 128]

These are stupid and there’s a significant number of the population who can’t use them at all due to the fact that WE WEAR GLASSES TO SEE.

However I suppose putting on contacts and wearing these would solve that.

Still stupid.

I would imagine prescription lenses could be fitted to them.

 

[DaPizzaMan]

Do people seriously wear those things?

It's cool for a day of skiing or rock climbing, but very strange to wear casually around the streets.

 

[Mizouse]

I bought a pair of these the day the made them available for purchase online.

Totally regret buying it.
My life isn't interesting enough to justify buying them. LOL.

I did meet a few people (mostly ladies) at that time who thought it was neat, but that novelty wore off really fast.

I would imagine prescription lenses could be fitted to them.

For the current ones. There are (or were) 3rd party companies that could install prescription lenses. But doing so risks damage to the glasses and voiding the warranty.

 

[acorntoy]

I would imagine prescription lenses could be fitted to them.

They can. When buying a pair for a Christmas presents I remember a note saying they were more than happy to help with re-adjustments for fitting and prescription lenses.

The people I got them for don’t use them all too often, but I find they get amazing shots when they go skiing or take the dogs to a beach. Very much like a go pro but a better view in my opinion because it isn’t stuck on the tip top of your head.

 

[Black Tiger]

I can only see glasses taking off if the tech is just embedded in lenses that can be installed in a wide range of frames. There is just too much variation in face shapes to make for a one-size-fits-all model. That said, I think there is likely considerable privacy concerns raised by this type of technology, particularly if others are not able to tell they are being recorded.

 

[acorntoy]

I can only see glasses taking off if the tech is just embedded in lenses that can be installed in a wide range of frames. There is just too much variation in face shapes to make for a one-size-fits-all model. That said, I think there is likely considerable privacy concerns raised by this type of technology, particularly if others are not able to tell they are being recorded.

That’s one of the reasons they are so unsightly to people. Its by design the cameras are obvious, and when recording the yellow bands around them light up, its pretty easy to tell if you are being recorded.

 

[Wanted797]

These are still a thing?

Exactly what I was about to comment.

 

[AngerDanger]

It's going to be hard to improve on such a classic design, but I'm sure they'll mange to come up with something that's just as classy and understated…

 

[Plutonius]

They still look terrible.

 

[augustrushrox]

O

I would imagine prescription lenses could be fitted to them.

Or contacts.

 

[scrapesleon]

They need to make the spectacles more available and not at a retail box only

 

[Mac 128]

I can only see glasses taking off if the tech is just embedded in lenses that can be installed in a wide range of frames. There is just too much variation in face shapes to make for a one-size-fits-all model. That said, I think there is likely considerable privacy concerns raised by this type of technology, particularly if others are not able to tell they are being recorded.

Privacy is not really an issue anymore. At least these make it obvious when someone is using them. The reality is, there are already spy cameras someone can cheaply and easily use if they really want to do something clandestine. Heck, people are already doing it with mobile phones. Cameras are ubiquitous. The sooner the general population realizes there is no more privacy in public spaces (including semi-private ones like locker rooms), the better off they will be.

 

[CarpalMac]

These are still a thing?

They never were a thing in the first place. Flogging a horse that was dead before it even arrived.
Most people do not want to be filmed/photographed whilst going about their day. I predict bad incidents will occur if people in numbers do start to actually wear these garbage devices in public.