Snap’s AR Spectacles now support a virtual keyboard and GPS

Six months after introducing its fifth-generation Spectacles and the second version featuring AR capabilities, Snap has announced new features and functionality. Lenses — what Snap calls the Spectacles’ various AR effects — can now utilize GPS data for simple navigation, multiplayer gaming, and other experiences. There’s also improved hand tracking, along with an AR keyboard that allows for text entry without pulling out a connected smartphone.

Lenses can now use location data, including GPS, GNSS, and even compass headings. As part of today’s announcement, Snap shared demos of Lenses using the new capabilities, including Utopia Labs’ NavigatAR, which creates arrows pointing in the direction users should be headed en route to a specific destination. Another lens, Path Pioneer, allows developers to create AR walking courses with waypoints that guide users along a specific path, which could be useful for city walking tours or museums and art galleries.

Niantic has also updated its Peridot Beyond game with multiplayer capabilities made possible with access to location data. Users can see and interact with AR versions of their own Dot characters as well as their friends’ Dot characters in the same session. Developers will also now be able to add leaderboards to AR games to help draw players back to set a new high score.

The Spectacles’ new AR keyboard features a “full and numeric layout” and takes advantage of refinements that Snap has made to hand tracking to improve targeting intent while reducing false positives while typing. There’s also a new grab gesture that can be used in Lens experiences, and hand tracking now knows when you’re holding your smartphone.

Unfortunately, what Snap didn’t announce is a version of its AR Spectacles for general consumers. The fifth-gen Spectacles, featuring a limited 45 minutes of battery life, are still only available to developers who have to apply for access through the company’s Lens Studio desktop tool. Pricing is still $99 per month, and you have to commit to renting them for at least a year.