Apparently dissatisfied by hiding users’ personal data on its platforms, Facebook hopes to get its myths on their health data as well. The company is said to have built a smartwatch as its next foray into hardware, and the device could debut immediately next year, according to a report Friday from information.
The smartwatch is said to work on Android, although it’s unclear whether it will use Google’s operating system, as Facebook is trying to build its own operating system for future hardware companies, according to people with direct knowledge of the device who spoke with the socket. on condition of anonymity. It seems that the watch will access the internet through a cellular connection, so there is no need for a smartphone and it will have messaging, health and fitness functions.
Of course, all these features will boast compatibility with existing Facebook platforms, as the company is undoubtedly looking to take advantage of its vast social network to gain an advantage over Fitbit, Apple and other titans in the smartwatch space. The device will allow users to watch their workouts with friends, get in touch with the trainer and offer a kind of fast chat function without having to pick up a smartphone. Along the way, Facebook also plans to make its devices compatible with health and fitness products from companies like Peloton, as well as launch versions that can interact with future Facebook devices, such as the line of spectacles. augmented reality it looks like it’s cooking.
Facebook aims to launch the first version of its smartwatch by next year, with plans for a second generation to be launched immediately after 2023, an informed person told Timeline. Although the report did not reach certain price points, it claims that “Facebook is expected to sell its watch close to the cost of producing it”, which is a tactic used by the company with Oculus virtual reality headphones.
According to information, Facebook chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer said at a manual meeting for employees in December that the company intends to continue its hardware efforts and increase its investment in wearable devices. The smartwatch would join Facebook’s growing hardware ecosystem, which includes its Oculus VR headsets and Portal video streaming devices along with more rumored project alleged in the work. Facebook did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment, but we will update this blog when they do.
G / O Media may receive a commission
Given the Facebook history of privacy goes wrong, this new adventure looks like a disaster waiting to happen. The company has given up so many red flags over the years to indicate that providing health data for them is a very stupid idea. If this smart watch gets to see the light of day (the report said the development is quite long, but Facebook could still project), I’ll give it two or three months before the scandalous headlines start airing, followed by Facebook’s broadcast half-hearted apologies.
I’ve been through this cycle so many times, boys. I’m tired.