Facebook Working On Smartwatch With Detachable Camera [Report]

Facebook is working on a smartwatch to rival the Apple Watch, according to a new report from The Verge.

The watch will purportedly have a display with two cameras that can be detached for taking pictures and video. Additionally, it will feature a heart rate monitor for fitness tracking.

A camera on the front of the watch display exists primarily for video calling, while a 1080p, auto-focus camera on the back can be used for capturing footage when detached from the stainless steel frame on the wrist. Facebook is tapping other companies to create accessories for attaching the camera hub to things like backpacks, according to two people familiar with the project, both of whom requested anonymity to speak without Facebook’s permission.

Facebook has been working to build more consumer hardware in an effort to circumvent Apple and Google who largely control the company’s ability to reach users on mobile devices.

In the future, the smartwatch could serve as a key input device for Facebook’s planned augmented reality glasses. CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes these glasses could one day be as ubiquitous as mobile phones. The company plans to integrate technology acquired from CTRL-labs, a startup that created armbands capable of controlling a computer through wrist movements.

The first generation Facebook smartwatch could be launched in the summer of next year and the company has purportedly started work on second and third generation versions for subsequent years. A price point of $400 has been discussed but that could change.

More details in the full report linked below…

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