Facebook Prototyped World’s First Wrist-Worn AR Interface

Facebook is probably a company with the most intransparent hardware development strategies, but it knows how to sell things. The boost in Oculus sales during the pandemic proves that. The company has also succeeded in creating a worthy Echo Show competitor, Portal. While these facts aren’t quite surprising as for one of the largest names in the world, the recently revealed smartwatch concept may astonish you!

Ok, So What Is It? 

You may remember the reports about a Facebook Apple Watch and Watch OS competitor development. Most probably, you don’t remember as so many brands make high-quality smartwatches today. Perhaps, they understand it on Facebook as well, so a new concept has been revealed recently. 

While the initial smartwatch concept features an open-source Android platform and a bunch of health-focused features, the newer project seems to be completely different. The prototype is presented by Facebook Reality Labs, and it’s a brand new AR controller type. 

Facebook rolled out 2 demonstration videos of the prototype that show how a relatively compact bracelet lets people interact with virtual objects. The interface is stuffed with EMG (electromyography ) sensors that can read our neural impulses in order to translate them into intuitive actions on the screen or in an AR environment. 

In his recent Clubhouse event, Mark Zuckerberg explained the EMG technology and claimed that it’s in the very early development stage. As the sensors progress, the interactions will eventually become much more detailed and natural. We will be able to touch virtual objects or control them at a distance like the operators in the showcase video. Zuckerberg also compared this type of controller with the Force that Star Wars Jedis have. 

Time to Anticipate?

According to Zuckerberg, we won’t see a commercial device soon, but we are one step closer to those stunning AR interfaces from sci-fi movies. Too many things are yet to be done, but the recent showcase is extremely promising. Imagine how everything will change if you gain all the controls over your devices just on your wrist. This could be a huge milestone for the IT industry and a game-changing item in the way we interact with the world. What do you think about this innovative prototype by Facebook? Does it look promising to you, or is it likely to become just another expensive toy with no practical applications? We’re looking forward to your reply in the comments, and don’t forget to share the news with other high-tech-obsessed minds!