Meta is revisiting its smartwatch ambitions, aiming for a launch later this year. The company, which previously abandoned its smartwatch project in 2022, is now focusing on a new iteration, codenamed “Malibu 2,” that will integrate health tracking features and, crucially, Meta’s artificial intelligence assistant.
This renewed push comes after Meta experienced unexpected demand for its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, exceeding production capacity and prompting a temporary pause on international launches. The success of the glasses, coupled with the broader surge in interest surrounding AI, appears to have spurred Meta to reconsider its wearables strategy.
The original smartwatch plans, developed over several years, were shelved as part of broader cost-cutting measures. Previous iterations, internally known as “Eagle” and “Hypernova,” faced challenges related to battery life, form factor, and overall market readiness. The current project represents a significant shift, prioritizing AI integration as a key differentiator in a crowded smartwatch market dominated by Apple, Google, Samsung, and Garmin.
Details about the “Malibu 2” smartwatch are still emerging, but reports suggest it will build upon previous concepts. One notable feature considered for earlier models was the inclusion of two cameras, with at least one potentially detachable from the watchband for on-the-go photo and video capture. The integration of Meta AI promises features like real-time translation and contextual assistance, potentially leveraging the company’s strengths in social networking and artificial intelligence.
Meta’s recent acquisition of AI startup Limitless further underscores its commitment to AI-powered wearables. Limitless developed a pendant capable of recording conversations and generating summaries – functionality that could be incorporated into the new smartwatch. This aligns with Meta’s broader strategy of embedding AI capabilities across its product ecosystem.
The company is also actively exploring innovative input methods for its wearables. The Ray-Ban Meta Display smart glasses feature a neural wristband that uses differential electromyography (dEMG) – detecting muscle movements in the wrist – to enable gesture-based control. It’s plausible that this technology, or a similar approach, could be integrated into the “Malibu 2” smartwatch, offering a novel way to interact with the device.
The potential integration of dEMG technology highlights Meta’s long-term vision for wearables. The company appears to be laying the groundwork for a future where wearables become increasingly intuitive and seamlessly integrated into daily life. This strategy could be aimed at accelerating adoption of more advanced devices, such as the mixed reality glasses, codenamed “Phoenix,” which have reportedly been delayed until 2027 as Meta streamlines its AR/MR roadmap.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly stated his belief that AI glasses will eventually surpass smartphones as the primary means of digital connection. The renewed focus on wearables, including the smartwatch and smart glasses, suggests that Meta is actively working towards realizing this vision. The company’s strategy appears to be centered on creating a cohesive ecosystem of AI-powered devices that enhance social interaction, provide personalized assistance, and seamlessly integrate into users’ lives.
The launch of the “Malibu 2” smartwatch will be a critical test for Meta’s wearables ambitions. The company faces significant competition in the smartwatch market, and success will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling product that differentiates itself through innovative features, seamless integration with its existing ecosystem, and, most importantly, a truly useful and engaging AI experience.
