Google might have just pulled the plug on Fitbit smartwatches in favor of its favored Pixel Watch 3, but Meta seems poised to resurrect its own dormant smartwatch project—at least if the latest leak is to be believed.
Renowned industry leaker Evan Blass has hinted at upcoming Meta projects on his private X (formerly Twitter) account, and one of them is rumored to be a smartwatch.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard whispers of a Meta smartwatch. Back in 2022, reports surfaced that Meta was shelving its secret smartwatch development alongside other non-core hardware projects, such as its Portal smart displays, to focus on more strategic business initiatives.
The smartwatch was reportedly set to feature the usual suspects—health and fitness tracking, notifications, and more—along with some XR-focused innovations. Most notably, it was said to include electromyography technology, which can translate nerve signals from your wrist into digital commands. Meta even showcased a demo of this tech in a blog post, highlighting how it could enhance hand tracking accuracy for VR headsets and AR glasses.
This technology isn’t just theoretical—it’s already being explored in fields like prosthetics, where amputees use similar systems to control robotic limbs. If Meta were to implement such technology, it could revolutionize accessibility in VR and mixed reality, making these technologies more inclusive and functional for a wider audience.
Later in 2023, rumors swirled that Meta’s smartwatch project was back on track, and now Evan Blass’s latest leak suggests there might be some truth to those claims. However, the details are still sparse, and it’s wise to take this with a pinch of salt. The only specifics we have are project code names—Hawaii, Moku, Ford, Belmont, Coconut, Vega 1, and Vega 2 (with the latter two believed to be generations of budget Quest headsets). While the assurance that a smartwatch is coming isn’t entirely baseless, we’re still deep in speculation territory.
Don’t expect to see the Meta smartwatch at Meta Connect this year (September 25–26). At most, we might catch a glimpse of an early prototype, but a fully-fledged product launch seems unlikely. And honestly, if I had my way, it wouldn’t be a smartwatch at all.
The Case for a Meta Smart Bracelet
Forget smartwatches—smart rings are the new hot trend in wearables. With recent launches like the Samsung Galaxy Ring, we’re seeing a shift towards smaller, more discreet devices that still pack in essential health and fitness features. But what if Meta took a different approach? Instead of launching a bulky smartwatch, what if it introduced a sleek, feature-packed smart bracelet designed to enhance AR glasses?
If Meta’s smartwatch were to include all the bells and whistles—like a display and high-end XR features—it would likely come with a hefty price tag. By ditching the screen and opting for a smart bracelet instead, Meta could create a device that’s not only slimmer and more comfortable but also more affordable.
Moreover, if this device is primarily an accessory for AR glasses, a screen becomes redundant. Information could be displayed as a HUD (Heads-Up Display) on your AR specs, or even projected onto your wrist, where the smart bracelet would be.
Eliminating the screen offers other advantages too. Without a power-hungry display, the smart bracelet would likely have a much longer battery life. This would make it a better fit for health tracking, as you could wear it overnight without worrying about recharging it constantly. Plus, it’s one less gadget you’d need to remember to charge every day.
Of course, Meta could consider a full-on smart ring instead of a bracelet. However, a ring would miss out on the benefits of electromyography, particularly in terms of accessibility. I believe it’s crucial for Meta to retain this feature, as the future of XR can only be truly realized if it’s accessible to everyone, and electromyography could be a significant step toward that goal.
Why a Smart Bracelet Makes Sense for Meta’s Future
Now, I’m not expecting Meta to roll out a smart bracelet anytime soon. While I think it’s a logical step in the long run, the reality is that AR glasses aren’t yet ubiquitous enough to justify a device that would largely depend on them. Still, a bracelet could be the ideal solution, especially given how far ahead competitors like Google, Samsung, and Apple already are in the wearable tech space. A Meta bracelet could be different enough to help close that gap and carve out a niche in the market.
As we wait for Meta Connect 2024—or perhaps even 2025 or 2026—to see what the company has in store, it’s worth considering that this rumored smartwatch might just be the tip of the iceberg. Alongside potential releases like two budget Meta Quest 3S headsets and a follow-up to the Quest Pro, there are still two unaccounted-for projects in the works. Could they be AR smart glasses? Or perhaps something else entirely?
Only time will tell, but if Meta really wants to make a splash, a smart bracelet designed for AR glasses might just be the innovation we never knew we needed.
