According to leaks, Meta is developing a smartwatch – will it have the EMG band?

Over the years Meta has been at the center of leaks about its reported plans to develop a smartwatch, especially when the company unveiled it a new type of bracelet. After first announcing it years ago, the company reintroduced eta's EMG band at the recent Meta Connect 2024, and this time the company was able to talk about its latest features and capabilities.

While Meta previously said the electromyography (EMG) band will be used for its Orion AR glasses, this can also be used for a variety of other wearables. According to leaks, there is the possibility of a combination with a smartwatch.

According to leaks, Meta is developing a smartwatch

Meta recently introduced its “surface EMG,” which is made in the form of a bracelet and can read muscle signals as input. A report from Android Central has now speculated that the rumored smartwatch that Meta is developing could get a boost from this EMG technology.

The fusion of these two wearable technologies can provide the user with an improved experience with the alleged smartwatch, especially since they no longer need to use the touchscreen or physical buttons for certain actions.

Integrating the EMG band into smartwatches can also give Meta an advantage over other brands, especially since most smartwatch straps currently only serve to keep the main device securely on the user's wrist.

Also read: Meta Quest's mixed reality headset now canceled – but why?

Meta's EMG band is the ultimate hands-free technology

According to Meta, the EMG bracelet is intended for use with the Orion AR glasses, especially since it can receive input from the new wearable technology, especially when it comes to controlling the upcoming device. The EMG also aids in human-computer interaction (HCI), allowing users to click, scroll, swipe, and perform other actions on their Orion glasses using the wristband's hands-free features.

Controllers like those found on Quest that require holding are no longer needed due to the EMG bands.

Wearable technology from Meta

Meta has established itself as one of the top players in the social media space. The company also made a name for itself in the wearable tech market when it further developed the Quest brand after the acquisition. Currently, the most advanced features of Meta's wearables include mixed reality, offering both augmented and virtual realities (XR). These are all present in Quest 3.

However, Meta has more to offer after the Quest 3 as reports suggest that the company wants to follow the Quest 3 with a next-generation model. It should be noted that the budget version, the Quest 3S, was also recently introduced.

In addition, Meta previously introduced its haptic gloves, which enable the real sense of touch for virtual experiences. CEO Mark Zuckerberg in particular has personally proven this.

Related article: Meta Connect has gone all out with the new wearables “Orion” AR glasses, Quest 3S