Social Media, Social Media

Spectacles Causing a Spectacle!

17 Nov , 2016  

Snapchat’s Spectacles are finally here!

I wrote about the buzz-worthy Spectacles at the beginning of last month, and I’ve been pumped for them to be released ever since.  Well, the launch did NOT disappoint!  It is- to say the least- a SPECTACLE!

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the launch is how the glasses are being distributed.  Spectacles are only being sold from a single bright yellow vending machine that contains a limited supply. I love the vending machine concept- maybe because the machine also looks a lot like a minion! Snap Inc. makes the location of this minion-like vending machine a surprise and posts the location on its website, and when it is sold out, game over. So far, the stunt has been pulled off three times. The first two times were in California (first in Venice, then in Big Sur), but this past Tuesday, the vending machine appeared all the way in Oklahoma! This means the next one could appear in any state. There is a countdown timer posted on the Snapchat website ticking down the time until the next location of the Spectacle vending machine is revealed. Who knows where it could end up next?!?

Now, if you don’t happen to get lucky and have the vending machine pop up near you, there is another way you can get your hands on a pair of these picture-taking sunglasses. Some savvy buyers are taking their new Spectacles and selling them for a profit on eBay. The prices range from $300 to over $1000! As demand increases the prices from sellers will only continue to rise from the original $130 price tag.

With all this ruckus, there is also a slightly darker side that we need to think about.  Some people are voicing concerns about individual privacy with Spectacles. If you remember, one of the reasons that Google’s “Google Glasses,” haven’t taken off as expected is because so many people were concerned about users filming others without their consent or knowledge. It will be interesting to see if the same thing happens with Spectacles.

Now, here’s the real question: Will you be standing in line at a yellow vending machine to get your own pair of Spectacles? Or are you going to just stick with your traditional Snapchat selfie?

 

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