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| Facebook plans to launch a smartwatch with two cameras |
Facebook is breaking new ground for its first smartwatch. The company hasn't confirmed it publicly, but it's currently planning to launch it next summer.
According to reports, the device has a screen with dual cameras that can take photos and videos separately from the wrist, and those photos and videos can be shared across the Facebook suite of apps, including Instagram.
The camera on the front of the watch screen is mainly used for video calls. The 1080p autofocus camera on the back can be used to take pictures when detached from the stainless steel frame on the wrist.
Facebook uses other companies to make accessories to attach camera hubs to backpacks and other items.
The idea is to encourage watch owners to use them the same way they use smartphones today.
This watch is part of Mark Zuckerberg's plan to create more consumer devices outside of Apple and Google that largely control Facebook's ability to reach people.
This new device represents Facebook's first attempt at wrist wear devices. It opened up another way to compete with Apple when the two tech giants were at odds in other areas.
By restricting the types of data apps like Facebook can collect, Apple positions itself as the data protection officer.
Over the years, Facebook has been plagued by scandals over its handling of user data.
This dynamic could give Facebook a tough battle to buy its watches, especially since the watch will also be positioned as a fitness device with a heart rate monitor.
Facebook wants a smartwatch:
Facebook is partnering with the largest US cellular operator to support hourly LTE connections, which means they don't have to pair them with work phones and sell them in their stores.
In future versions of the watch, Facebook wants it to be the primary input device for its planned augmented reality glasses.
Zuckerberg believes that augmented reality glasses will one day be as ubiquitous as mobile phones.
The company plans to use technology from CTRL Labs that has shown that the cuff can be controlled by a computer with wrist movements.
Facebook's goal is to launch the first version of the watch in the summer of 2022. In the years since, we've worked hard for the second and third generations.
Staff recently talked about a price tag of about $400 for the device, but the price is subject to change.
And Facebook may cancel this watch because this device has not yet gone into mass production and has not even been officially named.
Facebook's interest in smartwatches goes back at least a few years. Before the Google acquisition, I was considering buying Fitbit 2019.
Since then, the social network has spent nearly a billion dollars developing the first version of its watch. Hundreds of people are dedicated to this work.
With a customized version of the Android operating system, Facebook plans to leverage a number of third-party apps and partnerships to create an engaging visual experience.
However, no guarantees can be made for Facebook wearable devices. So far, smartwatches with cameras have not been able to catch up.