M4: P4 – Snap Inc.’s Spectacles

Here’s another non-Indigenous product that, in my opinion, would prove useful for connecting Indigenous knowledge to the land. This product is called Spectacles and was created by Snap Inc. According to Snap Inc.’s website, “Snap Inc. is a camera company.” However, they dabble in social media through its parent company, Snapchat. Regardless of the origin story, Snap offers a new version of Spectacles that claim to be a “pair of glasses that bring augmented reality to life”. 

Spectacles take augmented reality (AR) that is normally experienced through a handheld device, to the user’s eyes in what could be considered immersive AR. Not only are they immersive, but the user can now experience AR hands-free because the device is worn as a set of eyeglasses with controls on the side. You have seen these sorts of glasses in movies such as Iron Man (2008), to Minority Report (2002), and if you want to stretch, Predator (1987). Many, if not all, of the FAAMG big tech companies are trying their hands at this technology, but have yet to do it right. It may be some years yet, but something to consider to augment AR.