TechCapsules

Snap Inc. unveiled its first AR glasses, priced at $2,200, after five years of development. The author of the piece spent a day wearing the sleek, rectangular frames, noting the micro‑displays that overlay text, emojis and navigation cues onto the wearer’s field of view. Battery life lasted roughly three hours of mixed use before the device entered a low‑power mode. Voice commands triggered Snap’s Lens Studio apps, while the camera captured short video snippets that automatically synced [...]

Lumus, the Israeli augmented‑reality optics maker, announced a strategic partnership with China‑based Crystal‑Optech to secure components for its next‑generation AR displays. Under the agreement, Crystal‑Optech will manufacture high‑precision waveguides and diffractive elements in its Shenzhen facility, while Lumus will provide optical designs and quality‑control protocols. The collaboration aims to reduce lead times, diversify sourcing away from European suppliers, and support Lumus’s planned expansion of production capacity for its “Lightfield” glasses slated for launch in 2025. Both companies [...]

Snap announced its SPECS smart glasses, priced at $2,196 in the U.S., with pre‑orders open and a late‑fall launch slated for the U.S., U.K., and France. The glasses feature an AI‑native OS that supports hands‑free browsing, real‑time translation, navigation, and AR experiences, including partnerships with HBO Max, Spotify, and the NBA. Users can stream content on a virtual 115‑inch display, access interactive educational content, and share experiences via Connected Lens. Snap emphasizes privacy, stating the glasses do [...]

Leadwerks Game Engine 5.2 has launched, adding an OpenXR‑based backend that enables support for virtually all current VR headsets, including the new Steam Frame. The update introduces realistic hand and finger animations, high‑fidelity physics that auto‑activates in VR, and low‑latency hand‑attachment collision objects. New locomotion options let developers use thumb‑stick dash and teleportation to reduce motion sickness. The editor now offers enhanced UV unwrapping tools. The engine is available for purchase on Steam or as a 30‑day [...]

Meta is reportedly developing Luna, a camera‑free smart‑glasses line that could ship as early as next month. Luna will feature six microphones, six speakers, and a dedicated side button for instant access to Meta AI, allowing users to interact with the chatbot without a phone. The glasses will be available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, designed to resemble conventional eyewear and reduce bulk. Meta also plans Phoenix AR glasses, slated for 2027, which will offer virtual workspaces [...]

Meta is preparing to launch a new line of camera‑free smart glasses, dubbed Luna, amid ongoing privacy concerns over its earlier camera‑enabled models. The glasses will feature six microphones for voice interaction with Meta AI, built‑in speakers, and a discreet design that reduces arm size, making them resemble ordinary frames. Meta plans to ship Luna in October in two styles—Clubmaster and Burbank—while also unveiling AR glasses named Phoenix at Connect, slated for a 2027 release. The removal [...]

Valve launched the Steam Frame VR headset in the United States on September 14, offering 256‑GB and 1‑TB models priced at US$1,059 and US$1,299, respectively. The device runs both dedicated VR titles and standard Steam games, granting users full library access. Each unit includes a free digital copy of Half‑Life: Alyx for non‑owners, automatically linked to the customer’s Steam account upon registration. Valve also sells optional bundles for battery power, maintenance, and ergonomics. Purchasers must register before [...]

Meta’s Project Phoenix, a lightweight mixed‑reality headset, has been revealed through HorizonOS Prescription Lens images. The design resembles chunky glasses, using nose pads and temple‑mounted sensors, and includes a cable from the left temple to an external compute puck. Prescription lens inserts attach via a QR‑code setup, and the headset appears to support controller‑free interaction. The new form factor promises reduced facial weight but introduces a separate computing unit, potentially redefining casual XR wearability. [...]