Mike Peterson
Facebook is reportedly developing a smartwatch with both health and messaging features in an apparent bid to compete with the Apple Watch.
Citing sources familiar with the project, The Information reports that the device could run an open-source version of Android to start, but adds that Facebook is also developing its own operating system for future wearables.
The Facebook watch is said to focus on health and messaging. It could integrate tightly with Facebook's existing Messenger platform and would place particular emphasis on social networking — including a focus on "quick interactions" with other users.
On the health side, the device could allow users to track workouts, communicate with trainers, and possibly connect to existing services like Peloton. Additionally, the device will feature cellular connectivity so that it can function without a nearby smartphone.
To gain market share in a segment dominated by the Apple Watch, Facebook may offer its smartwatch close to the cost to produce it. The device could debut in 2022, with a second generation possibly arriving the following year.
Although development on the watch is "far along," there's still a chance Facebook could push back release or scrap the project.
The Information notes that Facebook's "spotty track record with user privacy" could cause blowback from consumers, particularly since the smartwatch would integrate with health and fitness services.
Although primarily known for social networking, Facebook currently offers a few consumer products, including the Oculus virtual reality headset and the Portal video chatting device.
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47 Comments
Because their phone was such a success, this watch will be as well? I wonder who their target audience is?
Just pretending for a moment that they had the UI acumen and industrial design necessary to design the device, there's still the problem of the Apple S6 CPU. There's nothing else like it on the market. The best performing Qualcomm CPU in that watt range has nowhere close to the performance. Personally, I think this is why Google has more or less ceded the market… they literally can't make an equivalent wearable without hardware that they can't design and money can't buy.
Bring on the heat. Apple's watch is fancy, trendy, and powerful, but Google's FitBit has been very resourceful, and in many respects, more usable. If Facebook's watch can last at least 4 days on a single charge like the FitBit, it has a chance at eating some smart watch market on the advantage of efficiency alone. I'm sorry for any iWatch user that must charge their watch every 24 hours...don't we have enough to manage in life?
“… scrap the project”. Please.
Perfect. Can’t you see it now - as soon as you have an episode of a fib you start getting inundated with ads for Xarelto....