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Frenzy to purchase fashion featuring social media app

CCTV.com

11-29-2016 11:43 BJT

One of the most sought after gadgets this holiday season is the so-called "Snapchat spectacles" - glasses that can record short videos that upload directly to social media app Snapchat. Tech analysts say the technology isn't eye-popping, but the way they're being sold is getting a lot of hype. Karina Huber has more.

This is the line outside New York City's Snap Spectacles' pop-up store - the only one in the United States. Some waited 14 hours for the store to open. The long wait failed to deter many from becoming repeat customers.

The sunglasses, which can record 10 second videos or "snaps" that download to Snapchat have become a hot item for social media savvy millenials in part because they're so hard to get.

The high-tech shades that feature a wide angle lens, are only available through so-called "snapbots" - bright yellow cartoon-like vending machines. You're limited to buying two pairs that cost $129 a piece.

"The people waiting in line here are lucky. Most people who want to get their hands on the glasses have to travel to random locations across the United States where the Snapbots are dropped off for just a few hours," said Karina Huber.

The locations of the "Snapbots" are only revealed hours before on Snap's website creating a frenzy to get them. 

While some are keeping the glasses for themselves, many waiting in line are driven by opportunity. On eBay the glasses are currently listed for double the retail price.

And in the process Snap gains a lot of attention, which couldn't come at a better time. The company plans to go public early next year.

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