Facebook is working on the possibility of building its own software for its AR (Augmented Reality) Glasses. On Thursday, the company confirmed it, and this decision would make it free from depending on Google’s Android operating system.
Andrew Bosworth, Facebook’s head of hardware, said to The Information, “We want to make sure the next generation has space for us. We do not think we can trust any competitors. And so we are going to do it ourselves.”
The report provided by The Information has limited information on how the operating system would be used. But, it mentions that both Facebook’s Oculus and Portal devices presently run on a modified version of Android.
One of the AR and VR heads of Facebook, Ficus Kirkpatrick, told that the future hardware of the company would not need to rely on Google’s software. This would reduce or altogether remove the control of Google on its hardware.
A custom operating system will be more comfortable for the tech giant to weave together its services and hardware, and optimize features such as enhanced privacy and social networking as well.
In recent years, the company has worked hard to diversify apart from its original social network by acquiring other platforms like Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, and entertainment & payment services plus equipment.
Also, in 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus, a manufacturer of virtual reality headgear.
In recent times it released second-generation Portal smart screens, and it is promoting them as a way to stay connected to the loved ones through its social network.
The Portal that competes with Google Nest and Amazon Echo Show smart screens is able to sync with WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook.
The Facebook-owned messaging applications, as well as the social network, are monthly used by more than a billion people.
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