Snap launches Specs Intelligence AI assistant for iOS, with Mac waitlist

In short: Snap has introduced Specs Intelligence, a new AI assistant that is available in preview on iOS now, with an early-access version for Mac coming later.

What happened

Snap announced “Specs Intelligence,” an AI assistant that can connect to other accounts and apps you choose. Snap says it can help with work tasks and keeping track of information like travel plans.

Snap describes the tool as an “anticipatory AI service.” In simple terms, it is meant to act more like a proactive helper than a chatbot you only use when you ask a question. For example, Snap says it could pull up notes and key decisions before a meeting, or gather flight, hotel, and dinner plans for a trip while also warning you about a work deadline during that time.

The company is launching Specs Intelligence alongside Specs, Snap’s first consumer augmented reality glasses. Augmented reality means digital items appear on top of what you see in the real world, like sticky notes floating in front of you. Snap says that on the Specs glasses, the assistant can place personal content “directly into view,” such as when you ask for a daily briefing.

Specs Intelligence is available for iOS now in preview. Snap is also offering a waitlist for what it calls the “full early-access experience” on Mac, but it did not explain exactly how the preview differs from the full version.

Why it matters

More companies are building assistants that try to manage your day by connecting to your calendars, messages, and other tools. That can be convenient, but it also means people will need to think carefully about what accounts they connect, since the assistant works by learning from that personal information.

Source: The Verge AI