Facebook parent Meta has canceled its smartwatch, codenamed “Milan.” The shelved smartwatch was to have featured two cameras in addition to technology that would allow a user to use their entire-arm gestures as a device controller.
Meta’s Reality Labs division was in charge of the development of the device. According to a report on Thursday, the process has been stopped, and will likely never fill shelves. The device was reportedly in development for two years.
The smartwatch was designed to resemble the Apple Watch, but had a wider and rounder design, with more curved edges. A camera was stationed at the bottom of the display, while a control button was located on the right side of the watch. The watch reportedly featured a detachable wrist strap and a button at the top of the case.
Previous reports indicated that the watch boasted a detachable display with two built-in cameras to allow users to take pictures and videos for sharing on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The front-facing camera would have been used for video calls, while the camera located on the back would be used to capture photos when the body was detached from the stainless steel watch frame.
The smartwatch was also rumored to feature electromyography technology and could allow users to control with nerve signals from the wrist.
The Facebook Watch will boast a cellular connection and users will be able to send messages to friends and family via messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. Built-in health tracking features will also be included, including a heart rate monitor.
According to Thursday’s report by Bloomberg, there was also a camera on the face of the watch for video calling. It had been scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2023 at a price point “around $349.”
