Facebook aims to move deeper into hardware as the company is
reportedly creating an Android-based smartwatch. In addition to that, Facebook
is also working on building its own OS for hardware devices, which may also be
the software for its future smartwatch.
According to the report, the features of this smartwatch would include messaging, health, and fitness. Facebook isn’t just stopping here, as the company is also working on branded Ray-Ban smart glasses, which it is expected to launch this year.
Facebook’s AR research initiative called Project Aria is
also in the works. There are over 6,000 employees at Facebook who are working
on the company’s various augmented and virtual reality projects. Moreover, Facebook’s
forthcoming smart glasses and Oculus headsets are proof that the company is now
focused on health and fitness devices as part of its progress in the hardware
world.
Another thing worth noting is the role of the CTRL-Labs
startup that Facebook acquired in 2019. The CTRL-Labs are specialized in wireless
input mechanisms, including devices capable of transmitting electrical signals
from the brain to computing devices without the help of touchscreen or buttons.
Therefore, the startup’s expertise and research could also contribute to Facebook’s
future wearable devices.
