Snap has announced new features for Lens, monetization tools for AR creators and new features for Spectrum during the ongoing Lens Fest.
The company has launched new features for Lens, including Custom Landmarkers, which allow Snapchatters to build AR experiences mapped to local landmarks or even in their own backyards, and multi-user AR experiences. Connected lenses have been brought into the spectrum. Here is a list of all the new features that the company has announced at the Lens Fest.
New Features for Lenses
Snap has launched a version 4.10 update for its AR creation software, Lens Studio. This tool allows users to create lenses and display them perfectly Snapchat, snap camera, through the camera kit in glasses or other apps.
Custom Landmarkers: Snap launched Landmarkers in 2019 and Local Lens in 2020, which deliver augmented reality displays to dozens of popular destinations around the world. With the latest update, makers will be able to create custom landmarks, turning local landmarks into AR attractions. Creating a 3D model requires a mobile device with a LiDAR scanner to map the area and bring to the lens studio.
World Mesh: Creators can now use in-depth information and world geometry understanding to create experiences that look and feel like the real world, previously only possible with high-end equipment, making it possible to have a Matrix world down the lens Gone.
Other new features announced for creators in Lens Studio 4.10 include:
A New Sound Library: Creators can now choose from a wide range of audio libraries and add Snapchat-licensed music and audio clips to their Lens.
Real-world physics: AR elements appear and react more realistically to forces of physics such as gravity and collisions.
API library for real-time data: It’s easy to build smart and useful lenses with real-time information pulled from other sources, from the US stock market to weather data. Some of the APIs include FTX, Alpaca, AccuWeather and iTranslate.
new opportunities for monetization
To support lens makers, Snap has announced new monetization opportunities.
Lens Call-to-Action: This is a new feature that allows creators to include a link on Lens, making it easier to take Snapchatters to a destination like a merchant shop.
Gifting: Lens allows creators to get support from Snapchatters through story replies. Lens creators earn a portion of the proceeds from gifts received through story responses. This feature is currently only operational in the US region. Snap has confirmed a global roll out soon.
New capabilities for glasses
Learn: See the effects of global warming first-hand with Save the Reef by Visionaries 777. Or, gain a deeper understanding of Historic Places in New Mexico by Lauren Casson.
Shop: Users can now try on AR clothing with Exodus by Damara Ingalls and eat in a restaurant with a menu that comes to life with an AR menu by Brielle Garcia.
Experience Art: The ability to interact with three-dimensional art to unlock new sounds in The Door by Heather Dunaway Smith. Or, users can visit an art gallery in AR with Blacksole Gallery by Leighton McDonald.
Play Games: Race through a playful obstacle course hands-free with Monke Racing by Lucas Rizzotto. Or take care of your very own pet called Rocket Cat Wabisabi,
Connected Lenses – These experiences make it possible for many people to share the same lens with other people in the same place.
Location Trigger – If you choose to enable Location, the lenses can adapt to a specific GPS radius, so experiences can be customized based on location.
Endurance Mode – This feature allows the lens to last longer by turning off the display between interactions with the lens.
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