Snap is reportedly set to release a new version of Spectacles very soon. They would have an aluminum design that packs in two cameras and using the Snapchat app, you may be able to add augmented reality overlay effects in videos you capture with these updated shades. They would cost $350, which is more than double the first version, which arrived back in 2016. They will be on sale by the end of the year though, according to reports.
Following a $40 million write-down on the first version, because Snap overestimated demand, it has been more conservative with orders. This second version of Spectacles, which were released earlier this year, only had Snap ordering 35,000 pairs, and 52,000 of a tweaked set from September. For this round, they are being more cautious by ordering around 24,000.
Apparently Snap is willing to lose money on the Spectacles side of the business for the moment. They hope to break even in 2020. If that goes according to plan it will be good news for the company. If not, it will be very interesting to see what happens here. At least they are being more conservative about orders this time around.
We will have to see what happens with this strategy.
Source Engadget
Filed Under: Technology News