According to reports, Facebook''s first smartwatch carrying dual cameras might have rivaled the Apple Watch with its extensive display and features, including activity tracking, music playback, and messaging. However, unlike the Apple Watch, the device that Meta was reportedly developing for at least two years would offer dual cameras as a key differentiator. One camera would be available below the display, while the other one is said to be on the back side against the wearers wrist to allow users to quickly capture shots by removing the watch face from its strap
Meta, citing a familiarized person, claims to have halted the development of the dual-camera smartwatch and is instead developing other wrist wearables.
Although Meta has not commented on the matter, the ongoing cost reduction is likely to be a major reason for the decision to stop the development. The company last month also reduced its hiring and freeze fresh recruitments for the year as part of several other measures to reduce costs.
Bloomberg has shared an image showing the front and back of a prototype of the smartwatch. The second camera on the device is said to have caused problems with a feature that intended to transform nerve signals from the wrist into digital commands, known as electromyography (EMG).
Metas Smartwatch prototype has been created on internet. Bloomberg Photo Credit
Meta discussed its smartwatch concept in a blog post last year and indicated that the EMG feature might be used to develop the wrist as a controller for virtual reality (AR) experiences. The prototype was being tested by the Metas Reality Labs division.
According to Bloombergs, Meta executives discussed the potential of smartwatches in its efforts to develop metaverse, which essentially provides an immersive environment where people can interact with other users using digital avatars.
In October, Bloomberg published a picture about Meta''s said smartwatch, revealing the render that appeared within the company''s app for controlling its smart glasses.
According to the report, the first objective for the device''s release was set for spring 2023. It was initially planned to cost $349 (about Rs. 27,100).
Meta is said to have discontinued the development of its dual-camera smartwatch but it has reportedly remained committed to use some of its features in future products.
The smartwatch is expected to have a gold-coloured casing that had two buttons on the one side and dual cameras with a 5-megapixel sensor on the front and a 12-megapixel one at the back. It is also expected to have Wi-Fi, GPS, and eSIM support.
A smartwatch is reported to be having access to Spotify, WhatsApp, and Instagram Stories as well as daily activity tracking, workouts, photo gallery, heart rate monitoring, and breathing. It''s recommended that it take 18 hours of battery life and include a notification center and a lock screen.
According to Meta, app stores were not included on the smartwatch for app downloading, although users would manage apps and features on the devices using their Facebook account.
Users are said to be capable of sharing their fitness photos and achievements directly from the device to Facebook and Instagram.
