In a world where our mantra is "pics or it didn't happen," Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media apps. Its parent company Snap Inc. has now capitalized on this mantra and . invented the next craze: Snapchat Spectacles.
"Oooooh what's that?!" you've probably exclaimed out loud. Well my friend, Spectacles are sunglasses that have a camera on the lenses. The camera syncs to your Snapchat account, making it easier to share where you are and what you are doing with your followers.
"So where do I get these?!" You've enthusiastically asked out loud. Well it is only sold in vending machines at limited pop up locations or Ebay. Currently the vending machine is located on 59th street on 5th avenue in New York City.
On a very chilly evening, I made my way to 5th avenue to pick up some specs for my brother. When you get there you are greeted outside by about four team members. You are asked to get in a line where an employee will give you a wristband with a time slot on it telling you when to come back to get in line for the specs. I arrived to the shop around 8:15 pm and my time slot was between 9:00-9:30. My 45 minute wait wasn't too long. I've heard that others had to wait hours for their time slot; so go at night for a shorter wait time.
I returned at 9:00 where I was instructed to go in the line to wait to get into the store. When they began letting my time slot into the store, they took off my wristband and stamped my hand.
Finally I am in the store! I wait in another line that is a maze of rope and people with the vending machines glistening in the back of the store. There are a lot of employees standing around wearing all black with ear pieces. It's like the Secret Service for Snapchat.
I walk up to the vending machines and select the color I want. A camera shows what you'd look like in the color and then you can change your selection if needed. The machine limits you to purchasing only two specs at a time. When it dispenses, its packaging looks similar to that of tennis balls'. There is someone near the exit that can show you how to use the product and all of its features.
I wonder if these specs will become the norm for social media. Will Instagram get behind this new photo feature? Maybe Facebook will make specs that will allow you to Facebook live? Who knows, until then, happy snapping!
