Snap, the tech giant responsible for Snapchat and Spectacles, recently announced the launch of their much-anticipated Lens Studio 3.4. Essentially, Lens Studio is the exclusive interface that is used by lens creators to develop immersive experiences for the Snapchat community. In the last few years, the interface has been continuously updated to support more complex augmented reality effects and features. Lens Studio 3.4, in this context, serves as an entry point to augmented reality for numerous users.
The Last Stages of the Update
Snap announced that Lens Studio 3.4 is the major update to be rolled out since the launch of 3.3 in Lens Fest in December 2020. The takeaways of the said launch included templates built on the existing augmented reality features of the app. Previously, Lens Studio 3.1, which was released in August 2020, was their last AR-centred launch that focused on full-body effects. However, the effects of 3.1 did not involve what is known as body tracking. However, they allowed movements to trigger exciting effects and animations.
A Sneak Peek into Lens Studio 3.4
According to Snap’s announcement, Lens Studio 3.4 includes several important updates that will, besides improving the workflow, will also let the Snapchat users explore boundless creative possibilities seamlessly. The major updates of the app include:
- Full-body segmentation
Image via Snap - 3D multi-body tracking
Image via Snap 3D - 24point hand tracking
- Asset library updates
Image via Snap Asset Library
Among these, multi-body tracking and full-body segmentation were already said to be included in the latest update. They were clearly implied by the effects of 3.1. Moreover, they were also pretty much promised in the Lens fest 2020.
Likewise, the asset library has been continuously growing, not just in size but also in terms of ambition for some time now. Several features in the asset library endorse machine learning, which is much-needed to boost the AR lenses for the immersive experience.
Dan Abdinoor, CEO of Fritz.Al, the company that contributed their machine learning models to Snap’s asset library, said that they are very excited for the updated asset library and even more delighted to be a part of the assets available at the release. He stated that it is a significant step towards increasing the accessibility of AR/VR.
Among all the major updates, hand-tracking is one of the most surprising features in the new Lens Studio 3.4. However, the addition is completely understandable since more Snapchat users are favoring hand gestures in their AR experience.
Looking Forward
Although Snap always delivers more than the users expect, there is always something more to look forward to in their updates. For example, there was a discussion at Lens Fest regarding probable Local Lens, an expansion of Snap’s limited Landmarks feature. This would make Snapchat more inclusive and social, especially for the users who don’t live near any historical sites. However, it is yet to be included or announced.
But this is more to point out the future possibilities from Snap than hold them accountable for the undelivered promises. Rather, it implies that there is always more in store for all Snapchat users.
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Source: https://immersive-technology.com/augmentedreality/snap-launches-lens-studio-3-4-with-more-support-for-augmented-reality-features-in-snapchat/
