Meta Relaunches Smartwatch with AI and Health Features
As early as 2021, there was talk of a smartwatch based on an open-source Android version
Meta is reportedly ready to re-enter the smartwatch market after freezing the project in previous years. According to rumors, the internal initiative – known by the codename “Malibu 2” – has been reactivated and could lead to the debut of the company's first smart watch by the end of the year.
The device is expected to integrate Meta AI and health monitoring functions, marking an evolution from prototypes circulated in the past. As early as 2021, there was talk of a smartwatch based on an open-source version of Android, with rather ambitious hardware solutions such as a removable camera and even variants equipped with multiple camera sensors. The project was shelved in 2022.
A potentially revolutionary project
The suspension was linked to the internal reorganization of the Reality Labs division, which was grappling with high costs and significant staff cuts. After a phase of downsizing, CEO Mark Zuckerberg had clarified that future investments would focus primarily on smart glasses and wearable devices.
Currently, Meta's wearable offering includes VR headsets and smart glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta, which have received good feedback in the United States. In parallel, the company is reportedly developing several models of augmented and mixed reality glasses, while the next-generation headset, known as “Phoenix”, has reportedly been postponed to 2027.