The Apple Watch is one of the most popular products for Apple to date. And it easily dominates the smartwatch market. But it looks like Facebook is ready to bring on its own competitor in 2022.
According to a report today from The Verge, Facebook is looking to take on the Apple Watch starting next year. The first smartwatch from the social network giant will reportedly debut next summer, and it will have a pretty unique gimmick to try and earn sales. Namely, a detachable unit with a pair of cameras equipped to it.
There will be two cameras on this smartwatch, according to the report. The first is essentially a front-facing camera that’s meant to handle the majority of your video calls. However, there is also a 1080p camera on the back with auto-focus that’s meant to help snap photos and videos without having to rely on your phone. The new watch will reportedly feature a stainless steel frame, too.
And Facebook is hoping to start an accessories push for this design. The report indicates Facebook is already tapping other companies to build accessories to attach to the “camera hub.” Facebook wants things that can attach to items like a backpack, for instance.
From the report:
The idea is to encourage owners of the watch to use it in ways that smartphones are used now. It’s part of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to build more consumer devices that circumvent Apple and Google, the two dominant mobile phone platform creators that largely control Facebook’s ability to reach people.
Facebook’s upcoming smartwatch will not rely on a phone for connection, either. The social network is working with top wireless carriers to offer up LTE connectivity from the small package. Facebook also wants the smartwatch sold in the wireless carrier stores, too.
The report also tells us the new smartwatch will come in a trio of color options: gold, black, and white. Facebook is apparently hoping to sell “volume in the low six figures” right out of the gate. And Facebook has lofty goals for the smartwatch, too, as the report indicates that Zuckerberg sees the watch as an integral input device for the company’s future augmented reality (AR) glasses. The new smartwatch will also reportedly have a heart rate monitor built in.
Of course, Facebook hasn’t confirmed any of this just yet.
The report notes that Facebook considered buying Fitbit back in 2019. And there have been rumors Facebook has been considering jumping into the wearables market for quite some time. It appears 2022 will be the year that finally happens.
How do you feel about that? Will you buy a Facebook smartwatch?