Snapchat Spectacles: A Snappy Release Strategy

The future of augmented reality might look a lot more like Snapchat’s Spectacles than Google Glass.

Or, you know, it may not—we’ll have to see how it ends up selling before we can make any bold claims about the photo-taking sunglasses.

But one thing we can definitely say about Spectacles is that the release strategy is nearly as unusual as that used by Google Glass. There’s no Explorer Program in Snapchat’s case—instead, the firm is selling its devices out of colorful vending machines  (opens in a new tab) (Snapbots) for one day in different spaces around the country.

pic.twitter.com/ECQhbYZBPa  (opens in a new tab)

— Spectacles (@Spectacles) November 10, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

Today, the Snapbot will be hiding in Venice, California, near Snapchat’s headquarters. Tomorrow? Who knows.

But whatever the case, it might be worth taking notes on the buzz-building strategy being used by Snapchat, because this idea has people talking and trying to grab the devices  (opens in a new tab) in whatever way they can.

Keeping Still

And this was only the first take! #MannequinChallenge  (opens in a new tab) #AlwaysATreat  (opens in a new tab) 🍬🍭🍫 pic.twitter.com/nEOcQjsQ4h  (opens in a new tab)

— National Confectioners Association (@CandyUSA) November 9, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

The National Confectioners Association isn’t afraid to get involved in the latest social craze. Check out the group’s offering in the Mannequin Challenge, which took only one take. The New York Times has a piece on the phenomenon  (opens in a new tab) that’s quickly becoming the new Ice Bucket Challenge.

Other Links of Note

Can leadership be taught? Neoterica Partners CEO Kerry Stackpole gathers a variety of thoughts on the matter in his latest blog post  (opens in a new tab).

Want to stop your attendees from leaving early? At Event Manager Blog, Christina Green offers some tips  (opens in a new tab).

They make connected suitcases now. Emily Price of Fast Company traveled around with one recently—here’s what her experience was like  (opens in a new tab).

(Handout photo)