Snap Inc. has started to offer on sale a limited number of Spectacles on Thursday, Nov. 10.
Snapchat Spectacles
According to The Verge, the social media company announced earlier this year its first hardware product, a pair of video-recording sunglasses called Spectacles. While more ambitious wearables like Google Glass had been expensive failures and Snap was new to the hardware game, it was difficult to predict on just what the end result would be.
On Thursday morning, Nov. 10, according to Twitter posts, at Venice Beach a long line of customers snaked its way to Snap Inc.'s spectacles debut vending machine. Snapchat's much-anticipated video sunglasses were sold from a bright yellow Snapbot vending machine placed along the boardwalk.
Spectacles On eBay Sale
According to Fox News, now the specs are already starting to be available for purchase on eBay. But the prices are exorbitant, with one pair offered for $3,000. This is a huge mark-up on the Snapchat Spectacles' original price of $130.
As the company seeks out new revenue opportunities via its user base, Snap's Spectacles are the first venture into the hardware industry. In order to build some buzz around the spectacles of the new gadget, the LA-based company has created a clever marketing campaign by selling them from a small number of "pop-up" vending machines that tour the nation.
The vending machines called Snapbots stay in place until all of its specs have been sold or for only 24 hours. The next location is kept secret until the very last moment before they show up somewhere else in the country. Snapchat's camera glasses are available in three color options.
Those who wear the gadgets have simply to tap the side of the Spectacles in order to record up to 10 seconds of video via the built-in camera. The footage recorded with the Snapchat Spectacles transfers automatically to user's Snapchat mobile app, where it can be posted and reviewed.
Snap is expected to make the kit more widely available in the coming weeks or months, if the high-tech specs prove popular. Meanwhile, In the meantime, those who want to buy the new gadget will have to hope they strike it lucky with the Snapbot's next location or pay extra for a pair on eBay.
