What’s next for Snapchat? One thing is for sure, the ambitious startup doesn't want to fall off the map. With 100 million young daily users and 8 billion videos watched a day, Snapchat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. However, this doesn’t mean the three Stanford co-founders aren't hunting for their next big move beyond self-destructing photos. We aren’t just talking about a cool Snapchat update, the latest rumors reveal Snapchat has a dozen wearable technology experts working on something special.
What is that something? Based on CNET ’s report, Snapchat could be working on their own version of smart glasses. In 2014, Snapchat purchased Vergence Labs, a startup that worked on glasses that record video of everything the wearer views. According to CNET ’s findings, five out of 12 former Vergence employees listed on LinkedIn currently work for Snapchat. One was even a co-founder of the company.
Stepping into augmented reality and virtual reality would be a smart move for Snapchat seeing Facebook and Google have done the same with Oculus and Magic Leap. Just last month, Snapchat formed Snapchat Research, an order of scientists, software engineers that, according to CNET , specialize in machine learning and computer vision. These features would be similar to the Microsoft HoloLens, which scans its surrounding environment looking for recognizable patterns.
CNET also pointed to other key hires in their Snapchat investigation. A former member of the Microsoft HoloLens team, Mark Dixon, is now on team Snapchat. Eitan Pilipski was hired as an engineering director after working for Qualcomm's Vuforia augmented reality team. Snapchat also recently listed a job opening in the “Snap Lab” division for a 3D Computer Vision Engineer. Kelly Nyland, who was part of jumpstarting the BB-8 Sphero droid craze, will be handling marketing for the “Snap Lab,” according to LinkedIn. Finally, a former Michael Kors eyewear designer also joined Snapchat around the same time the company bought Vergence.
Snapchat representatives declined to comment on CNET’s findings.
