I’ve done a fair bit of writing and research on the history of Spectacles at Snap as it serves as a case in one of my classes. The first version was a disastrous product launch. The second seemed to take user input and improve where there were complaints but it still seemed like a solution looking for a problem.

With v3, Snap appears to be changing the use-cases. Its now less about day to day use and I suspect the notably higher price point allowed it to add much more visual data capture horsepower. This can eventually be pivoted in an interesting VR/AVR play. No announcements there yet but a good chance that’s where they’re heading. Follows a common tech product trope (albeit in v3 vs. v1) in putting out an expensive, high-end version that only appeals to a narrow audience including creators and then broadening as the price point and supporting software and use-cases follow. This story isn’t over (assuming Snap itself can survive).

Snap today announced Spectacles 3, a redesigned version of its augmented reality sunglasses with a sleek new design and an added HD camera to create depth perception. The glasses, which the company has positioned as a limited release, represent Snap’s latest effort to build a new computing platform centered on the face. They will go on sale on Spectacles.com in November for $380.

https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/13/20802239/snapchat-spectacles-3-pricing-release-date-snap