Snapchat's "Spectacles," camera-equipped sunglasses that sync with smartphones, have gone on sale and are selling fast. The new gadget connects with a smartphone wirelessly to send "snaps" or photo and video messages, which can then be accessed and posted on Snapchat.
This week, hundreds of people lined up before a huge yellow vending machine in Venice, California to buy Spectacles for $130 apiece. The vending machine, dubbed "Snapbot," is the only way to buy the gadget for now, according to Reuters.
The Verge describes Spectacles as Snapchat's low-cost version of Google Glass. The device allows people to record life moments without having to take out their smartphones, and to share those moments with friends via Snapchat.
Using Bluetooth, users can connect Spectacles with their smartphones by pointing them at the phone's QR code. Spectacles record videos in a circular format, and so users just have to rotate their phones using Snapchat to see more of what they captured.
Snap Inc., the gadget's creator, is relying on hype and scarcity to boost Spectacles' sales, Bloomberg reports. The vending machines that sell it will be in select places for just a day or less, and new locations will be announced only a day earlier on its official website.
And the strategy seems to be working. Quoting Twitter users, Reuters reported that Spectacles sold out fast on its first day. Some are reselling units online for as much as $1,000.
The gadget has been earning praises from a number of users. James Detweiler of the AR company Fantasmo.io told TechCrunch that Spectacles is "a blast" and that it made him want to use Snapchat more. He added that the circular video function is "super cool."
Johnny Martin, a cameraman, said wearing Spectacles will feel like "second nature" for people who always have them. He said it allows users to "get more of the real experience," capturing memories without having a visible device like a smartphone in front of them.
Spectacles is available only in the US for now. But based on its successful sales, it might soon be released in other parts of the world. Take a look at its cool features in the video below.
