According to The Information, Facebook is preparing to launch an Apple Watch competitor next year. The company’s watch would focus on messaging, integrating the services of WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, and in the collection of health data.
A device to collect even more data amid public attention to privacy
According to the post, citing anonymous sources close to the project, Facebook plans to include cellular connectivity in the new watch so that it can work without the need for a phone. The device will be integrated almost exclusively with Facebook Messenger, while sports activity tracking could be shared with other platforms.
As collected by the same publication, that the users trust facebook your activity data it seems, obviously, something rather improbable.
Given its uneven track record in user privacy, Facebook could face some consumer protests with its wearable wrist, particularly when it comes to the health aspects of the device.
That users entrust their health data to Facebook, even if it sells the future watch at cost, seems unlikely.
The information explains that this watch would come with the operating system from google, but that Facebook is developing its own operating system for future portable devices.
The watch is said to run on an open source version of Android, similar to Facebook’s current hardware products, although Facebook is also working on creating its own operating system for future hardware. Assuming Facebook releases the first version next year, it plans to stick with a second-generation version of the watch as early as 2023, a person briefed on the project’s timeline said.
The cost trick for collecting data
According to the information currently available to us, Facebook would come this watch at cost price, which means that the benefits to offset its development, research and other expenses. will come from the collection of user information.
Facebook is expected to sell the watch close to its production price, similar to what it does with the Oculus Quest, which sells for $ 299 before taxes. It’s unclear how much Facebook will charge for its device. The latest version of Apple Watch starts at $ 400, while Fitbit smartwatches start at $ 150.
That would place the Facebook Watch at a lower price than the Apple Watch 6 and SE and close to the Apple Watch Series 3, which is around $ 220. A price which, without taking into account the confidentiality commitment, may seem attractive. Especially Facebook has come a long way on the project, but may still decide to stop or delay it. at any moment.
It is clear that Zuckerberg’s social network intends to expand into new markets beyond the various applications contained in its catalog. The truth is, this is a pretty natural move, since the company already owns the Oculus Quest which could benefit from a company watch. Its main stumbling block? Private life.
