AR glasses: Snap takes over display manufacturers
The new Spectacles from Snap shows AR content. (Photo: Snap)
Snap takes over Wave Optics. The manufacturer of special displays for AR glasses has also developed the displays for the new Spectacles.
Snap buys the British company Wave Optics for over half a billion dollars, as it did first The Verge reported. The Snapchat parent company had previously presented new Spectacles glasses for augmented reality, the special displays of which come from Wave Optics.
It is the biggest deal in Snap’s history to date. This underpins the company’s ambitions in the field of AR glasses. According to information from the dpa, Snap will initially pay half the price in the form of Snap shares. The second payment should follow in two years. Wave Optics will continue to supply other customers.
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AR glasses suitable for everyday use
The main product of Wave Optics are displays for augmented reality, the so-called waveguides. Snap’s new Spectacles make it possible to use these displays to show virtual objects in the field of vision.
The displays are particularly light. Overall, the Spectacles weighs only 134 grams and has several cameras, microphones and speakers. The glasses are initially only intended for developers and will not be offered for sale. Snap and Wave Optics emphasize the technology’s suitability for everyday use.
The competition is also working on AR glasses
Meanwhile, Snap’s competitors are working on their own technologies for AR glasses. Google has been developing the Google Glass since 2013. Apple took over Akonia in 2018. The startup is also working on lightweight lenses for AR glasses. Facebook also wants to publish AR glasses this year and is cooperating with Ray Ban for this.
