Latest news with #MetaConnect
Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Meta may revive its smartwatch project with a focus on camera
Due to its collaboration with Ray-Ban on smart glasses and a line of virtual reality headsets, Meta has found itself at the centre of a wearable revolution. According to a DigiTimes report, Meta has plans to revive the smartwatch project it abandoned in 2022. It said that the company may be considering reintroducing wrist-based devices after it first discontinued its smartwatches several years ago. The report suggests that Meta's wearable is designed to work with both its smart glasses and Quest headsets, unlike most other smartwatches from companies like Samsung and Google. Its main function is to scan the environment using built-in cameras, rather than to monitor health or deliver notifications. What Meta is developing seems quite similar to what the company was working on in 2021. To differentiate itself from competitors, sources at the time indicated that Meta, then still known as Facebook, aimed to launch a pair of smartwatches in summer 2022. These devices were said to include a pair of cameras. A 12MP main sensor on the underside, which would require the user to remove the watch, and a 5MP front-facing camera was intended for wrist-based video calls. During Facebook's earlier venture with the Portal smart display, the company was heavily invested in video conferencing. Images of the initial Meta smartwatch prototype that were leaked. Pictures of Meta's discarded smartwatch prototype, leaked by Bloomberg. Although users might expect Meta to have revisited its original smartwatch idea over the years, it appears that this revived project isn't significantly different from its predecessor. With at least one built-in camera, it is reportedly an attempt to 'enhance the metaverse experience.' Given that the company plans to launch 'half a dozen' AI wearables this year, its current focus on AI and expansive language models is likely to play a role in this endeavour. Regardless of what Meta's final smartwatches look like, we might not have to wait long to find out. Meta Connect, the company's annual developer conference, is scheduled to commence on September 17th, and according to reports, this year's event could showcase this resurrected project.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Time of India
Meta to reportedly revive smartwatch plans with built-in camera
Facebook-parent Meta is reportedly reviving a project it shelved in 2022. As reported by DigiTimes, Meta has once again started working on its ambitious smartwatch project. The report adds that the company's smartwatch may feature at one built-in camera, continuing Meta's unconventional approach to wrist-based tech. Unlike traditional smartwatches that prioritize health tracking and notifications, Meta's device is designed to complement its smart glasses and Quest VR headsets, offering users a way to capture and interact with the world around them. The camera-centric design suggests a focus on augmented reality (AR) and AI-powered experiences, rather than fitness or productivity. As per the report, the upcoming Meta smartwatch is rumoured to feature a 12MP camera which will be placed underside for off-wrist photography. Along with this, the wearable is also said to house a 5MP front shooter wrist-based video calls. While Meta hasn't confirmed specs, the new version is expected to retain similar functionality, possibly enhanced by the company's recent advances in large language models and AI wearables. The device is reportedly part of Meta's broader strategy to enhance the metaverse experience, integrating real-world visuals with virtual environments. Insiders suggest the smartwatch may be unveiled at Meta Connect, the company's annual developer conference, scheduled for September 17, 2025.
Mint
29-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Meta's abandoned smartwatch project revived? Report suggests device could come with built-in cameras
Meta Platforms is reportedly back to working on its long-delayed smartwatch project, potentially aiming for a launch in September 2025. The wearable device, which may feature built-in cameras and artificial intelligence capabilities, is speculated to be a companion to Meta's AI-powered smart glasses. According to a report fromDigiTimes, the development aligns with the company's annual Meta Connect event, scheduled for 17–18 September in the United States. Chinese manufacturer Huaqin Technology has been named as the likely hardware partner for the device. You may be interested in The revival could mark the second attempt at launching a Meta-branded smartwatch. Reportedly, the project initially surfaced in 2021 under the codename 'Milan', with early descriptions suggesting a curved-edge display, a front-facing camera, and a physical button positioned on the side of the device. A later prototype, revealed in 2022, was said to include two cameras, a 5MP sensor on the front and a 10MP sensor on the rear, enclosed in a gold-coloured casing with dual buttons. At the time, the device was being developed by Meta's Reality Labs division and was intended to feature advanced interaction capabilities, including the ability to interpret neural signals from the wearer's wrist to execute commands. However, issues related to the second camera reportedly disrupted this function, contributing to the project's cancellation in June 2022. While the latest report indicates that Meta has resumed development, it also casts doubt on whether the smartwatch will make a public appearance at the upcoming Meta Connect conference. This uncertainty mirrors previous inconsistencies around the project's timeline. If launched, the Meta smartwatch could mark the company's formal entry into a market currently dominated by Apple and Samsung, with the addition of camera-based features potentially serving as a point of distinction. However, as of now, the American tech giant has not officially confirmed the device's specifications or release schedule.
Tom's Guide
29-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Meta's smartwatch with camera is reportedly being revived — and it could launch this September to work alongside new smart glasses
Remember the Meta Watch that never was? Well, it may be making a comeback, as Meta is reportedly back to developing a smartwatch, and it may launch just in time to compete with the Apple Watch 11. As per a DigiTimes report, Meta is "reviving" its smartwatch plans and developing a new wearable with a potential built-in camera lens, and it's geared to work alongside its upcoming smart glasses — which could be the rumored "Meta Celeste" glasses. Yet again, Meta is looking to include a camera on its rumored smartwatch. A few years ago, it was rumored that its Facebook smartwatch would come with two cameras, but the plans were reportedly scrapped. Now, it appears Meta has reversed course. It's unclear what this camera would be for, but considering that its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses come with AI features that utilize the camera, the smartwatch could offer similar AI tools — if it also comes equipped with a camera. If Meta is planning to deliver a smartwatch after all, it would stand out from the best smartwatches with its potential camera and link to its rumored smart glasses. Meanwhile, Apple reportedly had plans for an Apple Watch with a camera, utilizing Visual Intelligence, but this was said to be canceled. Whether this feature will give Meta an edge is unclear. Meta appears to have a lot new productrs in the hopper, including its rumored smart glasses, Meta Quest 4 and the recent release of the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses. If a smartwatch is on the way, it shows that Meta is ramping up its selection even more. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. According to the report, the Meta smartwatch may arrive in time for the upcoming Meta Connect event taking place on September 17. However, as spotted by Wccftech, Digitimes also states that it is "unclear" if the smartwatch will launch during the Meta Connect event. There's no telling what Meta will have up its sleeve, but if the smartwatch is set to be paired with an upcoming pair of smart specs, then it could at least be teased at Meta Connect. Only time will tell if Meta really is giving its smartwatch plans another try. And speaking of AI on a watch, check out Apple Watch's new AI fitness coach.
Mint
29-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Meta's smartwatch with built-in camera is reportedly launching in September 2025
Meta is reportedly reviving its smartwatch project with a brand-new device expected to be revealed at the Meta Connect conference, scheduled for September 17–18, 2025, says a report from Business Today. The wearable is said to feature a built-in camera and AI capabilities that could become a key companion for Meta's growing range of smart glasses and virtual reality (VR) headsets. This isn't Meta's first attempt at launching a smartwatch. The company initially began development back in 2021 under the codename 'Milan,' with prototypes featuring dual cameras and a curved display. One of the versions even had a gold finish and side buttons. But the project was paused in 2022 due to hardware issues and challenges with a nerve-signal control system the company was testing. According to multiple reports citing supply chain sources, including a story by DigiTimes, the device is being manufactured by Chinese company Huaqin Technology. This time, the focus appears to be more on AI tools and camera functions, rather than fitness tracking or health features like other popular smartwatches from Apple or Samsung. What can we expect from the new Meta wearable? The new smartwatch is expected to work closely with Meta's upcoming smart glasses, which are also rumoured to include a built-in display for the first time. Combined, these wearables could allow users to capture images, interact with digital assistants and control their environment using gesture-based or camera-powered tools. While detailed specs are still under wraps, the smartwatch is not expected to rival devices like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch in terms of health tracking. Instead, it may serve more as an intelligent companion to Meta's broader hardware ecosystem, including its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Quest VR headsets. There's no confirmation yet on pricing, battery life or exact features, and it's unclear if the device will launch this year or be teased as a concept at Meta Connect. What's clear is that Meta is trying to create a more unified wearable experience that blends AI, smart glasses and real-time camera interaction into something more ambitious than a traditional wristwatch. We'll likely learn more in the weeks leading up to Meta Connect in September.
