It's been a weird week in retail, yet again. Frank's RedHot will teach you how to make cicadas for dinner, BaubleBar released an NBA-themed collection and Snapchat is bringing AR into the real world with its latest AR glasses.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
A cookbook worth waiting 17 years for
Got a cicada infestation in your backyard? The hot sauce brand is lending some tips on how to deal with them the tasty way.
Cicadas are emerging from the ground after 17 years, but thanks to the new cookbook from Frank's RedHot, it looks like they're heading straight into the pan (talk about a blessing in disguise).
Frank's RedHot is releasing a 13-recipe digital cookbook with cicadas as the star of the dish. The cookbook features recipes like Air-Fried Buffalo Cicada "Wings", Buffalo Bug Dip and Spicy Cicada Mary.
If you live on the East Coast, you know that they're everywhere. So on Wednesday, Frank's RedHot will release the cookbook to help you make use of those natural resources.
The company teased fans on Instagram about a Frank's and Cicadas combo on Thursday. The company had previously made collaborations with other, er, less exotic snacks like the Frank's RedHot-flavored Goldfish snacks.
Since the creatures began appearing, multiple media outlets have covered various creative ways to cook them — from frying and boiling to simply eating them raw.
"If you can't beat them, eat them," the company said in the announcement. "Luckily, the main ingredient won't be hard to find this summer," the company added.
If you don't try them now, you'll have another 17 years to change your mind.
The 'B' in NBA stands for bling
Fans can now channel their team spirit without sacrificing personal style.
This playoff season, complete your look with BaubleBar's latest mashup of fashion and fandom: The NBA collection.
The company known for its playful designs has released jewelry and accessories for 12 teams and the WNBA exclusively on BaubleBar's website starting May 25.
Some teams represented are the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. More teams will be added to the collection later this year.
The collection includes logo hoops ($48), earring sets ($68), statement earrings ($48), icon charms ($28) and Jersey charms ($30).
Baublebar has also teamed up with Disney in the past to bring beloved characters to life.
Take your team spirit to new heights, BaubleBar said it's a guaranteed slam dunk.
Snapchat's latest spectacle
Snapchat wants its user base to see the world through AR-tinted glasses.
During the 2021 Snap Partner Summit, CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled the latest version of its Spectacles smart glasses. The glasses have features such as dual 3D waveguide displays, two RGB cameras, four microphones, two stereo speakers and touchpad controls. Users can also give audio commands and send snaps through the glasses.
The next generation of Spectacles lets users see digital objects overlaid in the physical world. The display on the glasses will automatically adjust whether the user is indoors or outdoors. These glasses can only function for 30 minutes at a time, Spiegel said.
Step into the future with the next generation of Spectacles. Our first display glasses built for creators to explore new ways to fuse fun and utility through immersive AR. #SnapPartnerSummithttps://t.co/r4XnSC886z pic.twitter.com/4bPi49KE7n
— Spectacles (@Spectacles) May 20, 2021
Snapchat has banked on the potential of augmented reality for years. Spiegel said the latest version of Spectacles is the company's "first pair of glasses that bring augmented reality to life."
The company has yet to confirm a mass-market release for the product. "The new Spectacles are not for sale. They're built for creators looking to push the limits of immersive AR experiences," according to the Spectacles website.
Snapchat has dipped its toe in the eyewear space for years. Older versions of the glasses, like the Spectacle 3, also integrate digital imagery with the real world. The Spectacles 3 is currently priced at $380, on the company website.
