A virtual keyboard and GPS are now available for Snap’s AR Spectacles

Six months after unveiling the fifth-generation Spectacles, which marked the second iteration of its AR-equipped smart glasses, Snap has introduced a range of enhanced features and capabilities. These updates are designed to expand the functionality of its AR lenses by incorporating GPS data, refining hand tracking, and adding an innovative AR keyboard for text input-all without requiring users to reach for their smartphones.

The latest update allows Snap’s AR lenses to integrate real-time location data, including GPS, GNSS, and compass headings. Demonstrations showcased by Snap highlight how this technology enhances user experiences. One such example is NavigatAR by Utopia Labs, which overlays directional arrows onto the user’s view to guide them to their destination. Another development, Path Pioneer, enables the creation of AR-based walking tours, complete with waypoints that direct users through routes in cities, museums, or art galleries.

Additionally, Niantic has expanded the multiplayer functionality of Peridot Beyond by leveraging location-based capabilities. Players can now interact with their own virtual Dot creatures alongside their friends’ characters within the same AR session. To further boost engagement, developers will also be able to integrate leaderboards into AR games, encouraging users to return and compete for high scores.

Another major enhancement is the introduction of an AR keyboard, which features both standard and numeric layouts. This new tool benefits from improvements in hand-tracking accuracy, ensuring smoother interactions while minimizing errors during text input. A newly added grab gesture allows users to manipulate AR elements with greater precision, and the system can now recognize when a user is holding their smartphone, improving overall interactivity.

However, despite these advancements, Snap has yet to announce a consumer-friendly version of its AR Spectacles. The fifth-generation model, which offers a limited 45-minute battery life, remains exclusive to developers who must apply for access through Snap’s Lens Studio platform. The pricing structure remains unchanged at $99 per month, requiring a minimum one-year rental commitment.