A Facebook smartwatch? It could be coming for your health data in 2022.
Facebook, the social media company that definitely cares a lot about user data, is reportedly developing a smartwatch.
The rumored wearable, which the company would look to release in 2022, was first reported by The Information (note: this is paywalled), citing "people with direct knowledge of the device." In addition to health and fitness features, the smartwatch would of course give users wrist-mounted access to Facebook services, such as Messenger.
The rumored device, powered by an open source version of Android, would support cellular connections, meaning users wouldn't be required to pair it with a smartphone. It would also be able to connect directly with other health and fitness-focused products, such as Peloton Interactive.
The big draw for a Facebook smartwatch, as the company sees it, is giving users the ability to directly link their fitness activities with one of the prevalent online social spaces in their lives. Being able to track and compare workouts with friends or speak with trainers directly is a lot more exciting when it plugs directly into your existing social profile.
The tradeoff, of course, is all of this filtering through Facebook, which provides the company with a new vector for collecting data on its users. Such links haven't historically been popular with users, given the history of improper data collection. We saw this play out recently in the backlash that ensued after the announcement that, by 2023, Oculus VR users would have to use a Facebook account.
Fitness services like Supernatural have proven that there's a segment of the regularly exercising public that likes to have, and is even motivated by, social connections in their fitness regimen. But is that enough of a draw to overcome the misgivings held by many when it comes to forking over more personal information to Facebook?
It remains to be seen. The smartwatch effort is described in The Information's report as being "far along," but not so close to release that plans can't change. Facebook could still scuttle the whole effort. Though as the same report notes, citing a comment from CTO Mike Schroepfer during a December all hands meeting, the company sees a bright future for itself in wearables.
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Topics Facebook Smartwatches Social Media
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
