Snapchat unveils Spectacles 3: Double the cameras for twice the price

Both Snapchat’s original Spectacles and Spectacles 2 received mixed reviews at best. They were unique, slightly gimmicky yet — most importantly — vastly overpriced for a device that by design worked exclusively with Snapchat. Judging from the new Spectacles 3, I guess Snapchat didn’t get the note on making them more affordable.

Priced at $380, the new Spectacles 3 cost nearly double the price of Spectacles 2 (and almost 3x the price of the original Spectacles). They now have two cameras, a new design, and an unspecified exclusivity which Snap likely hopes will make them a status symbol. Gone are the eye-catching color options and bright yellow charging case of the previous generations as well. Snap will only be offering the Spectacles 3 in the more subdued Carbon or Mineral along with a matching wallet-style case.

The real magic of the new Spectacles is what they can do with the additional camera. Because the cameras are about the same distance apart as our eyes the Spectacles are able to capture the world in 3D. This allows for Snap to offer some exclusive 3D filters as well as a cool video-stills that move slightly side-to-side.

Are they worth it?

That’s likely a question a lot of people will be saying “no” to. However, with the higher price tag Snap is clearly not attempting to market these to your casual Snapchat user like they were the first two generations. The Spectacles 3 are made for creators and other users that utilize Snapchat as part of their marketing strategy or individuals looking for the next tech-related status symbol.

Expected availability is an unambiguous “Fall”. Preorders are already open (to help them add a little more revenue to Q3 of 2019) so it’s likely we’ll see Snap start shipping the new Spectacles in the next month or two.