Facebook Smartwatch Will Embed Dual Camera

JAKARTA - Facebook's ambition to bring hardware will find a bright spot. The reason, the company is reportedly working on a smartwatch that will be launched next summer.

Facebook smartwatches are specially designed for sports lovers. According to a report quoted by Ubergizmo, Thursday, June 10, this device will feature a screen with two cameras that can be removed from the wrist for taking pictures and videos that can be shared across the entire suite of Facebook applications, including Instagram.

That means that apart from being a smartwatch, Facebook envisions users using the watch as a photography tool, or maybe even some kind of video call setup.

The front camera can be used for video calls, while the back camera will be able to capture footage up to 1080p. Additionally, Facebook is working with the top wireless carriers in the US to support LTE connectivity on the watch, which means it doesn't need to be paired with a phone. This smartwatch will come in white, black, and gold.

Facebook is also said to be in discussions with other companies to help build watch accessories that can be attached to backpacks.

The idea is to encourage watch owners to use them the way smartphones are used today. It's part of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's plan to build more consumer devices that shuns Apple and Google, the two dominant makers of mobile platforms that largely control Facebook's ability to reach people.

This Facebook smartwatch certainly opens up another area of competition with Apple at a time when the two tech giants are already at loggerheads in other areas. Apple has aggressively positioned itself as a protector of privacy by limiting the type of data that apps like Facebook can collect, while Facebook has for years been beset by scandals over its handling of user data.

That dynamic could create an uphill battle for Facebook to convince people to buy its upcoming Apple Watch competitor, especially as it also plans to position the watch as a fitness device with a heart rate monitor.

Previously, Facebook had tried to make hardware, namely cellphones when they collaborated with HTC, but it failed. Since then the company has expanded into other products such as its VR headset and Portal system.