While many social media platforms have aggressively pursued AI, Snap has taken a more measured approach, integrating only a handful of generative AI features into Snapchat without making AI a core pillar of its business.
Snap is now launching a standalone AI assistant named Specs Intelligence, introduced together with its updated AR glasses. Described as an ‘anticipatory AI service,’ Specs Intelligence will be deeply integrated into the hardware while also offering separate desktop and mobile applications for users without the glasses.
Although Snap avoids labeling Specs Intelligence as a traditional agent or assistant, its functionality echoes Meta’s recent Muse unveiling. According to a company blog post, ‘Specs Intelligence develops an understanding of your goals, priorities, relationships, and routines based on the apps and tools you choose to connect.’
Specs Intelligence operates independently of Snapchat and leans heavily toward productivity, marking a departure from Snap’s earlier offerings. By linking to external accounts such as Google, the assistant can surface timely reminders and relevant information tailored to the user’s habits. For instance, it might present ‘questions to ask and things to remember’ before a meeting or display upcoming travel plans. It also organizes information into contextual ‘corners,’ allowing users to keep family tasks distinct from work deadlines.
For users who own the AR Specs, the assistant can overlay relevant information directly in their field of view. Owners can interact with it by saying ‘Hey Specs.’ Although this capability wasn’t enabled during my demo—where I could only launch a browser via the voice command—the interaction resembles certain features of Meta AI on its own glasses.
Snap also appears to be addressing privacy concerns that have surrounded Meta’s similar offerings. The company states that Specs Intelligence will not be used to train its AI models or to serve advertisements, and that ‘Snap personnel cannot view or access the personal content you interact with through the service.’
Snap is rolling out a limited preview of Specs Intelligence in the United States through the Specs app on iOS. This early version lets users link their Google accounts to view ‘insights about where you spend your time and attention,’ though it does not include proactive suggestions. A full early-access release will be invite‑only initially and accessible only via the Specs Mac application. Interested users can join the waitlist now.
