Facebook is about to launch its own competitor with Apple Watch – the company is working on smartwatches focusing on ‘health and messaging’. This was reported by The Information website with reference to ‘informed’ sources.
Facebook plans to start selling watches in 2022. The watch allows you to send messages via Facebook services with close integration with the messenger Facebook Messenger, and also has a number of features for health and fitness. The watch can be connected to services or devices for health and fitness, such as the platform and smart exercise equipment of Peloton Interactive.
It is noted that the watch will be able to work without connecting to a smartphone and will receive cellular support. The software platform will be an open-source version of Android. In the future, there are plans to develop its own software platform for portable devices. The second generation of watches will be introduced in 2023.
As for the price, The Information notes that Facebook will sell the watch for about $ 200.
Facebook fights back against changes to Apple’s privacy settings
According to reports, Facebook is testing a messaging feature to explain to Apple iOS users how Facebook uses their data to offer them personalized ads. Apple’s iOS 14 is about to introduce significant changes in the privacy settings. These changes will prevent Facebook and other platforms from collecting data about Apple users for targeted advertising. Facebook recently reminded investors that Apple’s adjustments to the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) user tracking feature could affect its business.
The news push feature that Facebook tests works like this. First, it will ask Apple iOS users if they prefer to agree to the platform to collect their data; rather than asking them if they refuse to collect data. Developers predict that actually only about 10% – 30% of users will agree to collect the platform. Without access to user data, advertisers will find it difficult to target potential Apple users with personalized ads.
Although last quarter’s revenue exceeded expectations, Facebook’s share price fell. This is because investors are concerned that Apple’s privacy changes will significantly affect Facebook’s future performance. Previously, some media outlets have pointed out that Apple’s latest software update will ask users if they want to allow apps like Facebook to track their online activities.
Apple’s quick decision still holds the final decision
Facebook claims that the changes to Apple’s privacy settings will hamper the ability of small businesses to place targeted ads. In the latest blog post, Facebook once again said … “Apple’s new reminder information shows that it bans personalized advertising and privacy; but actually we can have both. ”
In the past, most conflicts between large companies over platform policy adjustments had nothing to do with consumers. However, by sending reminders to users, Facebook’s billions of users will participate in the company and Apple’s public battle with changes to privacy settings.
Regardless of the choice users make on Facebook’s quick choice, Apple’s quick choice remains the final choice. Apple is directly responsible for the security of user data on its devices. Facebook is only an app and does not have the power to get user information unless Apple says otherwise. Both companies have been among each other for a while. Of the latest events, the problems between these companies are not going away any time soon.