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Facebook is reportedly expanding its venture into the hardware business by launching a smartwatch next year. It is expected to focus on messaging functions and fitness features.
‘Facebook Watch’: What to expect
The Menlo Park, California-based tech giant is currently developing another hardware product that could be more of an everyday device, per a report from The Information. The publication noted that the tip came from four individuals familiar with Facebook’s plans about the smartwatch who said the company is looking to focus on messaging and fitness features for the device.
Focusing on the upcoming device’s messaging feature is not surprising. It is worth noting that Facebook owns two of the most downloaded messaging apps worldwide – WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. However, it is yet to be seen how much of the apps’ smartphone functions could be included on the wearable device that typically has a much smaller screen and limited memory capacity.
The same report noted that the Facebook smartwatch could focus on “quick interactions.” Since messaging is one of the expected selling points, Facebook could aim for the smartwatch to have a constant connection independent from smartphones. This led to the speculation that that watch could be released with cellular connectivity.
What is more interesting is the reported plan for the Facebook smartwatch’s operating system. The report said the first generation of the device, which is reportedly aimed to launch in 2022, will likely use open-source Android software. That description seems to be pointing at the use of Wear OS.
However, Facebook is also said to be working on its own OS for its upcoming smartwatch line. But the company does not expect it to be ready until 2023, so it could be launched along with the second generation of the smartwatch.
Other Facebook hardware products expected in the next 2 years
This is not the first time Facebook is expanding its business by launching a hardware product. Thanks to its previous acquisitions, Facebook already released Oculus VR headsets and video calling-focused devices under the Portal brand.
The recently reported smartwatch is not the only hardware Facebook is expected to launch in the coming years. The company is anticipated to introduce its smart glasses this year. Facebook is also developing AR glasses, but its release window is still unknown.
Featured photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash
