Facebook is developing a smart watch that will focus on messaging and health functions, a new report from The informationCarriers can send messages using Facebook services such as Messenger and WhatsApp, and it works with a cellular connection without a paired smartphone.
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Health features such as options to track workouts with friends or interact with trainers will be included, and the watch can connect to services from health and fitness companies such as Peloton. Facebook’s upcoming watch would run a version of Google’s Android software.
Facebook plans to sell the smart watch at its manufacturing cost, which it does with the Oculus headset. There’s no word on what the pricing will be, but competing products range in price from $ 150 to $ 400 +.
A smart watch is unlikely to fare well with those concerned about Facebook’s data collection. Amazon recently released a fitness band “Halo” that has been derided for its invasiveness. Facebook already makes a number of consumer hardware products, including the previously mentioned Oculus and Portal camera and tablet devices.
A smartwatch from Facebook should compete with the Apple Watch, one of the best-selling wearables on the market. Just this morning, a report suggested that more than 100 million people worldwide own an Apple Watch. Facebook is also working on its own Ray-Ban branded smart glasses that could compete with rumors about Apple products in the coming years.
Facebook wants to start selling its smart watch next year, with a second generation planned in 2023. The information says development is “a long way off”, but there is still a chance that the product could be scrapped.