Snapchat takes step closer to augmented reality hardware move

Picture messaging app Snapchat appears to be gearing up for a move from software into augmented relaity hardware, as it has joined the group that runs the Bluetooth wireless standard.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group gained a new member, according to the Financial Times, as membership is a prerequisite for the release of any Bluetooth-operated devices.

Speculation has been rife that Snapchat are to release a pair of augmented reality goggles as a supplement to its popular app.

Many major tech companies have reportedly taken an interest in developing augmented reality hardware, following on from the success of Pokemon Go. The likes of Apple and Google are looking into AR, which overlays virtual objects on top of real-world images.

Snapchat now has over 150m users per day, and recently took over from microblogging site Twitter in this regard.