Overview

A dedicated software engineer has developed an innovative augmented reality (AR) project that allows users to block real-world advertisements using Snapchat’s AR-equipped smart glasses. The project, however, is still in its experimental phase and has a quirky output.

Project Description

Stijn Spanhove is experimenting with using Snapchat’s Spectacles alongside Google’s Gemini AI to create a real-world ad blocker. When activated, the application is designed to replace visible ads with conspicuous red boxes that temporarily obscure them.

In the demo shared on social media, the application showcased its ability to disrupt advertisements found in various locations, such as billboards and product packaging. Leveraging Snap’s Depth Cache library, this technology is currently exclusive to Snapchat Spectacles users.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the project’s exciting potential, there are critiques regarding the application’s current functionality. The glaring red boxes, while intended as a placeholder for ads, may be more distracting than the ads they’re meant to replace.

Spanhove’s vision hints at a potential future where users can selectively manage the advertisements they encounter in daily life.