Meta Revives Smartwatch Project, Potentially Featuring Camera
Meta Platforms Inc. is reportedly revisiting its smartwatch initiative, wiht a potential camera lens integrated into the device. This progress is being timed to coincide with Meta Connect, the company’s annual conference scheduled for September 17-18 in the United States. The smartwatch is anticipated to serve as a complementary device to Meta’s forthcoming AI glasses, with China’s Huaqin identified as the primary manufacturer.
The inclusion of a camera would equip the smartwatch with AI capabilities and serve as a distinguishing feature compared to existing smartwatches from major players like Apple,Samsung,and garmin.However, the exact timing of the smartwatch’s debut remains uncertain, with reports indicating it might be announced at the Meta Connect event, while also acknowledging that its appearance there is not definitively confirmed.This move by Meta comes as Apple has also explored the possibility of integrating cameras into its Apple Watch. A patent filed by Apple details a smartwatch with the capability to capture images or videos, which could allow users to forgo carrying a smartphone during certain activities, especially in environments where using a smartphone might be challenging, such as hiking, running, swimming, surfing, or snowboarding. It is indeed critically importent to note, as is customary with Apple patents, that not all patented technologies make it into production.
The potential for a camera on a smartwatch presents a significant competitive advantage. For companies aiming to capture market share among iPhone users, offering a compelling feature that the Apple Watch lacks is crucial. A camera could be such a feature, appealing to a niche market that desires the ability to capture photos and videos without needing to carry their iPhone. The introduction of such a feature by Meta could also potentially encourage Apple to advance its own camera-integrated smartwatch concepts.
