Facebook is reportedly planning to develop its own smartwatch. The Apple Watch competitor is said to focus on health and messaging.
Will Facebook develop its own smartwatch? The answer to this question is supposedly yes. At least that is what The Information has learned. Based on four anonymous sources close to the project, the report says that Facebook plans to build a cellular connection into its smartwatch so that it could work without a smartphone. The Facebook wearable would have tight integration with Facebook Messenger. The health features could be compatible with popular fitness platforms like Peloton. However, as The Information notes, it could be an uphill battle for consumers who trust Facebook with health data. This is what the report says. Item highlighted:
Facebook Smartwatch: Health data could become a problem
The wrist-mounted device will have a cellular connection without the need for a smartphone. Facebook also plans to connect the device to the services or hardware of health and fitness companies, such as Peloton Interactive, the maker of internet-connected exercise bikes. Given its spotty track record when it comes to user privacy, Facebook's wrist-mounted wearable may face resistance from consumers, particularly regarding the health aspects of the device.
As for the operating system, this first smartwatch is expected to run Google's Android system, but later generations are expected to have their own operating system developed by Facebook.
The watch would run on an open-source version of Google's Android software, similar to Facebook's existing hardware products, although Facebook is also working on developing its own operating system for future hardware.
Presentation could take place next year
To gain market share, The Information says, Facebook would likely offer its smartwatch at cost.
Facebook is expected to price the watch at the cost of production, similar to the Oculus Quest headset, which sells for $299 before taxes. Apple's latest version of the Apple Watch has a starting price of $400 while Fitbit smartwatches start at $150.
This could position a Facebook wearable somewhere below the price of the Apple Watch Series 6 and SE, and closer to the Apple Watch Series 3. According to the report, the launch could take place as early as next year. If this is true, the Apple Watch "competitor" appears to be quite advanced. However, the sources noted that the launch could also be delayed or scrapped entirely. The report continues:
Could Facebook's smartwatch seriously compete with the Apple Watch?
With the planned smartwatch, Facebook hopes to highlight features that leverage its social networking capabilities, such as allowing users to track their workouts with friends or communicate with their coach. The approach could be similar to that of companies like Strava, an app that allows runners and cyclists to track their workouts and compare their performance with others. The messaging features are expected to focus on quick interactions with people that would otherwise be done with a smartphone. How exactly people will interact with the device has not been learned. However, existing smartwatches like the Apple Watch have microphones to enable voice commands.
If the product does actually appear, it remains to be seen whether it will be successful. After all, the social media giant is always in the spotlight when it comes to a lack of data protection. Apart from that, it is not expected that the product will be a serious competitor to the Apple Watch. Apple's smartwatch is now far too advanced for that. (Photo by rvlsoft / Bigstockphoto)
