Facebook is about to launch its own rival, Apple Watch – the company is working on smartwatches with a focus 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 will allow messages to be sent via Facebook services with close integration with the Facebook Messenger messenger, and also has a set of functions for health and fitness. The watch will be able to connect to services or devices for health and fitness, such as Peloton Interactive’s smart exercise platform and equipment.
It is noted that the watch will be able to work without connecting to a smartphone and will receive cell phone 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 wearable devices. The second generation of watches will be launched in 2023.
As for the price, The Information points out that Facebook will sell the watch for about $ 200.
Facebook fights changes to Apple’s privacy settings
According to reports, Facebook is testing a message sending function to explain to Apple iOS users how Facebook uses your data to serve personalized ads. Apple’s iOS 14 is about to usher in some important changes to privacy settings. These changes will prevent Facebook and other platforms from collecting data about Apple users for targeted advertising. Facebook recently reminded its investors that Apple’s adjustments to the “Identifier for Advertisers” (IDFA) user tracking feature could affect its business.
The news sending feature that Facebook is testing works like this. First, it will ask Apple iOS users if they agree with the platform to collect their data; instead of asking if they refuse to collect data. The developers predict that, in fact, only about 10% to 30% of users will agree with the data collection platform. Without access to user data, advertisers will find it difficult to target potential Apple users with personalized ads.
While last quarter’s earnings have exceeded expectations, Facebook’s stock price has been falling. This is because investors are concerned that Apple’s privacy changes will significantly affect Facebook’s future performance. Previously, some media have pointed out that Apple’s latest software update will ask users if they want to allow applications like Facebook to track their online activities.
Apple’s prompt still holds the final decision
Facebook says changes to Apple’s privacy settings will hinder the ability of small businesses to place targeted ads. In the last blog post, Facebook once again stated… “Apple’s new reminder information shows that it prohibits personalized advertising and privacy; but, in fact, 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, the billions of Facebook users will be involved in the company’s and Apple’s public struggle with changing privacy settings.
However, regardless of the choice users make at the Facebook prompt, selecting the Apple prompt remains the final choice. Apple is directly responsible for the security of user data on its devices. Facebook is just an application and has no authority to obtain user information if Apple says otherwise. Both companies have been at odds for some time. For the most recent events, the problems between these companies will not go away anytime soon.