Meta Reportedly Reviving Smartwatch Project with Camera-Centric Features

Meta may be reviving its abandoned smartwatch project, Project Milan, with a new focus on camera-based features. According to media reports, the device is designed to work seamlessly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest VR headsets, setting it apart from typical smartwatches by scanning the environment instead of prioritizing health tracking or notifications. This move signals Meta’s renewed push into wearable technology, potentially positioning it as a competitor to the Apple Watch.

 

 

Meta is reportedly gearing up to relaunch its smartwatch project, codenamed “Project Milan,” aiming to redefine the wearable technology market. According to media reports, the company is considering reviving the project it shelved in 2022, positioning the new Meta smartwatch as a key player in its broader metaverse and wearable ecosystem strategy.

Unlike traditional smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, and Google, Meta’s wearable is expected to integrate seamlessly with its Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest VR headsets, creating a more immersive and connected experience. One of the most notable features of this device will be its built-in cameras, designed to scan the environment and enable advanced functionalities beyond basic fitness tracking or notifications.

The upcoming smartwatch is believed to draw inspiration from Meta’s earlier plans in 2021 when the company—then known as Facebook—had intended to launch dual-camera smartwatches. Those models were rumored to feature a 12MP rear sensor, allowing users to detach the watch for capturing photos and videos, and a 5MP front-facing camera for video calls directly from the wrist. This emphasis on video conferencing and camera integration aligns with Meta’s earlier investment in the Portal smart display and reflects its long-term commitment to communication-driven devices.

With wearable technology becoming a crucial entry point into augmented reality (AR) and the metaverse, Meta’s revived smartwatch could act as a bridge between its AR smart glasses, Quest headsets, and other Meta AI-powered devices. By focusing on camera-first innovation, Meta aims to differentiate its device from the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, offering users next-gen connectivity and mixed-reality experiences on their wrists.

If launched, this device could significantly boost Meta’s hardware portfolio and reinforce its position in the wearables and AR space, signaling a bold step toward integrating AI, AR, and social connectivity into everyday devices.