ClickZ Wearables Newsletter - 08.29.2024

Meta's pivot to affordable AR and Fitbit's future under Google's wing

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ClickZ
August 29, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

Meta has decided to halt development on its high-end AR headset, La Jolla, originally planned for 2027. Instead, the company will focus on more affordable options like the Meta Quest 4, set for release in 2026. This shift comes as Meta aims to balance cost and innovation in the competitive AR/VR market.

The Meta Quest Pro is still marketed as Meta's top-end headset, but all recent Quest developments have been shown off on the $500 Meta Quest 3. Image: Meta

Google has clarified that Fitbit is not being discontinued, despite rumors. New releases for Fitbit's Versa and Sense models are expected alongside developments for the Google Pixel Watch. This ensures continued innovation and support for Fitbit wearables, maintaining their relevance in the fitness tracker market.

An inventor from Hialeah, Fla., has developed the PRECISION GLASS, an innovative eyewear device designed for active vision improvement. This electronic system enhances real-time vision for individuals with impairments, offering better image focus, field of view, and depth perception. The design is user-friendly and available for licensing or sale.

A new study from Charles Darwin University reveals that smartwatches, while useful for health tracking, are vulnerable to hacking. Researchers accessed and manipulated data on various devices, highlighting significant security flaws. The study urges manufacturers to prioritize robust security to prevent identity theft, financial loss, and corporate espionage.

The future of smart home technology by 2034 will see biometric security, AI integration, and robotics enhancing daily life. Entertainment will become immersive with hidden speakers and 3D tech. Personalization and energy efficiency will be key, with homes syncing to wearables and utilizing renewable energy sources for sustainability.

Performance Platters 🍽️

TikTok is revolutionizing peak season marketing, driving engagement and conversions through its unique blend of community, commerce, and entertainment. Brands should adopt a full-funnel approach, leveraging TikTok's advertising solutions to capture attention and influence purchasing decisions. This strategy promises significant business outcomes during the festive season.

B2B marketers in North America and Europe plan to boost social media and video content this year, driven by Gen Z's digital habits. Short-form social videos are seen as high ROI, with LinkedIn video uploads set to rise 45% YoY. This trend underscores the growing importance of video in B2B marketing.

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