Snapchat Unveils AR Shopping, Spectacles and Pixy, Redefining Digital Retail in Asia

Snapchat Unveils AR Shopping, Spectacles and Pixy, Redefining Digital Retail in Asia

Snapchat’s New AR Shopping Craze: Meet Spectacles, Pixy, and the Magic of Virtual Fitting Rooms

Do you remember the first time you dropped a Snapchat and suddenly had a funky filter that made your nose as big as a house? That was 2011, the year Snapchat turned your phone into a pocket selfie studio. Fast forward four years and the app added augmented reality (AR), letting you walk around a neon dinosaur or a robot in real time—talk about stepping up your game!

What’s New in 2022? The Ultimate AR Shopping Experience

Now, over in 2022, Snapchat is turning the spotlight to apparel and beauty. The platform rolled out fashion and beauty AR lenses that let you try on clothes and makeup without ever changing outfits at home. Add the new Spectacles AR glasses and Pixy camera, and you’ve almost got a virtual wardrobe.

How It Works (Because Who Hates Stiff Instructions?)

  • Scan a Lens code printed on a product or found in an ad.
  • Instantly pop on the filter—now you’re a runway model or a glam queen.
  • Keep a swipe or tap to test other colors, styles, or makeup shades.

It’s a blink-and‑you’re‑shopping, swipe-and‑you’re‑dressed experience that feels less like a cursor and more like a wardrobe fairy godmother. No more guessing if a dress fits your curves or if a lipstick shade will wash out your skin. Just hop in, and see for yourself!

Why It’s a Game‑Changer (And How You Can Make It Yours)

AR shopping from the comfort of your couch has big perks: no returns, no wasted bills, and the freedom to experiment with bold picks you might not see in a normal photo. It’s personal, fun, and the word “shopping” has never sounded so cool.

Ready to upgrade your style? Grab your phone, zoom through the Lens codes, and tell your friends “Hey, I just tried on a brand-new jacket in 360 degrees—watch this!”

Your wardrobe’s about to get a serious makeover. Enjoy the adventure!

Snapchat’s AR Shopping Buzz: Why Your Blade Runner‑Style Fingers Might Be the New Checkout

Ever wanted to try on a pair of PUMA sneakers, a Dior clutch or a MAC lipstick, all from the comfort of your couch? Snapchat’s latest Augmented Reality (AR) lenses are turning that dream into a click‑and‑collect reality.

How It Works

  • Spot a Lens: Find a brand’s AR lens on Snapchat’s Discover feed.
  • See It Live: The lens overlays the product onto your live camera view—like a quick demo that’s 100% real time.
  • Click & Buy: One tap and you’re redirected to the brand’s online store. No fuss, no checkout line.

Picture a Dior handbag hovering over your elbow while you’re binge‑watching your favorite show. Or imagine trying on a Piaget watch against your wrist, fine‑tuned color‑adjustment now available thanks to the lens’s smart software.

Brands Already in the Game

Top global names are already wearing the glasses:

  • PUMA – Athletic chic meets AR.
  • Dior – Fashion’s little wonder.
  • Pandora – The charm you can see, feel, and buy.
  • MAC Cosmetics – Makeup that truly looks good on you.
  • Piaget – Luxury that never goes out of style.

And it’s not just bigboxes – Snapchat is on the hunt for local talent. “At the moment we’ve only worked with global brands in the market and regionally,” notes Kathryn Carter, Snapchat’s APAC General Manager. “We’d love to welcome all brands! We’ve seen great success with Mecca, and we’d absolutely love the chance to partner and build something with Singaporean brands.”

Why This is Bigger Than a Trend

Online shopping? Old hat. AR shopping? The new sexy thing. “The ability to shop online isn’t a new trend, but what isn’t as common is AR shopping,” Carter points out. The tech is still evolving, but the story is already being written. It’s a story that tech lovers can’t help but enjoy, and for consumers it feels like a personal shopping assistant that never sleeps.

And here’s a twist – consumers are often ahead of brands. That means shoppers feel empowered, while brands are scrambling to catch up. “What we’re seeing is that consumers are ahead of brands in many instances,” Carter says. It’s a call to brands to step up their game, to hand over the keys to this shiny, new mall that sits in everyone’s phone.

What’s Next?

Snapchat is striving to bring local favorites into the AR frame. Think about it: a Singaporean brand taking a walk with the world, all while the camera does the heavy lifting. For consumers, it means faster browsing, more accurate looks and, of course, a heck–of–a‑shopping experience from your own personal retail square.

So next time you open Snapchat, keep your eyes peeled for a brand lens. Your new favorite item could be just a tap away—without even having to leave your living room. Happy shopping, and may the AR force be with you! 

Snapchat’s Spectacles: A New Chapter in Augmented Reality

Imagine stepping into a world where the digital and the real blur together, all from the comfort of a lightweight pair of glasses. That’s what Snapchat is aiming to deliver with its brand‑new Spectacles.

What Makes These Spectacles Tick?

  • Creator‑Centric Design – Built to let creators weave AR magic into everyday life.
  • Hybrid Fun & Utility – Think of it as your pocket‑sized toolbox, but with a whole lot more flair.
  • Lightweight & Comfortable – They’re so slim you’ll forget you’re wearing them.

Cool Colors, Straight Up Fun

Snap’s first AR glasses come in two classic shades: Mineral and Carbon. Yes, the names are intentional—so you don’t get confused later.

Price Point: Affordable Innovation

At $380 (S$525), these spectacles offer premium AR experience without breaking the bank. Consider it an investment in the future of creative expression.

Final Thoughts

With Spectacles, Snapchat hopes to democratize augmented reality, turning your everyday moments into shows you and your audience will love. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just curious about AR, these new glasses might just be the coolest way to peek into tomorrow.

Snap’s Little Flying Wonder: Pixy

Meet Pixy – the pocket‑size drone that’s got more personality than your grandma’s cat

For just $249.99, Snap has dropped a gadget that’s as small as a teacup but can do everything from swooping around your friends to following you wherever you wander. No controller, no complicated set‑up, just a tap and voilà – pure airborne magic.

What Pixy Can Do (Nifty List of Features)

  • Take off on command – one button tap & it’s airborne.
  • Float, drift, and cruise in a graceful hover.
  • Orbit and chill around any subject, giving you that cinematic “follow‑me” frame.
  • Smart tracking – it follows your movements without a dedicated controller.
  • Seamless pairing with Snapchat for instant uploads.

Why it’s a Game Changer for Your Storytelling

When you capture a vroom‑vroom moment with Pixy, the footage is wirelessly beamed straight into your Snapchat Memories. From there you’re free to edit, sprinkle in some of those trendy sounds, or throw on a Lens filter so the footage looks like it was shot by a Hollywood crew instead of your pocket drone.

Snap’s Vision, Straight From Jack

“The AR goodies we showcased today are just a sneak peek into how Snap is always hunting for new ways to blend the magic of AR with what brands want and what you, the user, crave,” joked Jack, the guy who keeps the AR wheels spinning.

Where It’s Available (For Now)

At the moment, only the US can buy the Spectacles and Pixy gear, but the starry promise is that these gadgets will soon spread across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Beyond the Buzz – What It Means for You

With Pixy, you can turn any casual walk into an unforgettable visual adventure. Forget the old DIY drones that require a PhD in engineering; now it’s as simple as a tap, a big laugh, and a flying camera that takes the photos for you.

So, the next time you’re strolling down the street or at a party, just roll on your phone, press the button, and let the tiny drone do the hard work while you bask in the glory of being the coolest person with the coolest gadget.