Snap’s AR Spectacles Gain Virtual Keyboard and GPS for Navigation & Gaming

Snap’s AR Spectacles Gain Virtual Keyboard and GPS for Navigation & Gaming

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. Image:Google 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…