The latest generation of Spectacles aren't AR smartglasses per se, but Snap is intent on demonstrating that the wearables are capable of storytelling powered by augmented reality.
On Thursday, Snap released a short film by artist Lauren Halsey that she shot entirely with Spectacles 3, with some AR effects thrown in for good measure.
The film Summaeverythang documents Halsey and other members of the South Central Los Angeles community as they deliver fresh produce to the neighborhood.
"Shooting with Spectacles brought us together in a strange way. It just feels easy, the way art is supposed to feel," said Halsey. "So many things happen over the course of the day between building the artwork and the community center. It's never just a single thing, I'm starting at 5 a.m. and every day is full. So in my dream world, I'd love to be able to show people all the different perspectives of this team working day-to-day across all these different fields."
Snap has two more pieces to follow from the commercial directing team of Pamela Reed and Matthew Rader and musical artist Viktoria Modesta.
The films also have their own corresponding Lenses, including a new try-on Lens for Spectacles 3 inspired by Halsey's film, which you can try via the Snapcodes below.
This isn't the first time an artist has demonstrated the creative potential of Spectacles 3. About a year ago, Snap premiered a film by Harmony Korine shot on Spectacles 3, accompanied by a limited-edition Gucci design of the device.
Appealing to self-actualization — that you, too, can create mesmerizing art with common consumer products — is a tried-and-true strategy in the tech industry. Apple has done it with its on-going "Shot on iPhone" campaign. Similarly, Google recruited photographer Annie Lebowitz to capture a series of portraits with the Pixel 3 and 4.
Now, smartphones and their cameras are ubiquitous. Spectacles are still a bleeding-edge device by comparison. But, with their abilities to capture unique content — 3D photos and video, enhanced by AR and shot from a first-person point of view — the appeal to those looking to elevate their art is apparent.
They say the best camera is the one you have on you. With Spectacles 3, that camera is literally on you. Now let's see if this wearable filmmaking turns into a trend.
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