Snap Has Purchased NextMind to Improve Its 'Spectacles' AR Glasses
Colin Smith — March 23, 2022 — Tech
'Snap,' the parent company behind the popular social media platform 'SnapChat,' has announced its acquisition of 'NextMind,' a brain-computer interface technology (BCI) company. With NextMind, Snap will look into incorporating neural technology, such as BCI, into its Metaverse wearable, the 'Snap Spectacles' AR glasses. These AR glasses are the company's newest venture into the Metaverse, and with BCI, it will carve a unique spot in the market for the Spectacles.
Following this acquisition, Snap has announced the discontinuation of NextMind's developer kit that allow users to control certain aspects of their computer with their mind. The team of engineers at NextMind will now work under Snap's 'Snap Lab' research and hardware organization. The utilization of BCI would add a heightened level of practical convenience to smart glasses, as many require control through speech, a companion application, or several buttons on the glasses themselves.
Image Credit: NextMind
Following this acquisition, Snap has announced the discontinuation of NextMind's developer kit that allow users to control certain aspects of their computer with their mind. The team of engineers at NextMind will now work under Snap's 'Snap Lab' research and hardware organization. The utilization of BCI would add a heightened level of practical convenience to smart glasses, as many require control through speech, a companion application, or several buttons on the glasses themselves.
Image Credit: NextMind
Trend Themes
1. Brain-computer Interface Integration - The incorporation of NextMind's technology into Snap's AR glasses presents an opportunity for other wearable manufacturers to explore the benefits of brain-computer interface integration.
2. Metaverse Wearables - Snap's foray into the Metaverse with Spectacles presents a market opportunity for other Metaverse wearables like smartwatches and augmented reality headsets.
3. Neural Technology in Wearables - The acquisition of NextMind by Snap underscores the importance of neural technology in wearables, particularly in the development of features that use brainwave data for control and interaction with technology.
Industry Implications
1. Wearable Technology - The integration of BCI technology into Spectacles presents an opportunity for innovation in wearable technology, particularly in the development of more intuitive and practical input and control methods.
2. Augmented Reality - Snap's focus on AR with Spectacles and the utilization of BCI present a potential market opportunity for innovation in augmented reality hardware and software development, particularly in creating more immersive and interactive experiences.
3. Neurotechnology - The acquisition of NextMind by Snap reflects the growing importance of neurotechnology in various industries, particularly in the development of more advanced brain-computer interfaces and applications of neural data in wearable technology.
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