Meta, Google and Apple applaud FCC decision that could create 'a new class' of wearable tech
Published: 18:06 19 Oct 2023 EDT
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has potentially changed the game for augmented and virtual reality devices.
The FCC voted Thursday to open a 6 GHz band of spectrum for certain devices in a move the agency said creates “a new class of very low power devices.”
The new band will “spur an eco-system of cutting-edge applications, including wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, advance healthcare opportunities, and bring new entertainment experiences,” the FCC said in a statement.
That’s huge news for companies like Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:FB), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)'s Google and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), which are developing AR and VR technologies. Essentially, the 6 GHz band means wearable devices should be able to perform a wider range of functions even without a strong WiFi signal.
Kevin Martin, Meta’s vice president of North America policy, called the decision “a shining example of a government regulator working with industry early to build for the future.”
Google Pixel expressed a similar sentiment in a post on X/Twitter.
“The 6 GHz band has become critical for the future of wireless connectivity,” the company wrote. “Today’s vote by the FCC is a win for Pixel users and American consumers, as this band will now be available for high-speed peer-to-peer WiFi communication.”
The 6 GHz band has become critical for the future of wireless connectivity. Today’s vote by the FCC is a win for Pixel users and American consumers, as this band will now be available for high-speed peer-to-peer WiFi communication. We thank the FCC for its leadership.
— Google Pixel (@GooglePixel_US) October 19, 2023
For example, the band could serve as a means for Android devices to “connect directly to each other via Wi-Fi without an intermediate access point,” the company added, making it easier to share content or play multiplayer games.
Apple, for its part, called the FCC decision “a positive step forward,” in a statement.
Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel
