Many Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) investors and users don't realize that the company devotes considerable resources to developing next-generation human-computer interface (HCI) technology. Perhaps that's about to change: On Thursday, the social media giant (and somewhat under-the-radar hardware developer) took the wraps off a wristband that will be a component of an augmented reality (AR) system. AR combines computer-generated elements with aspects of the real world; while still in a relatively early stage, it nevertheless is used in a variety of applications, such as games. Image source: Getty Images. Facebook's wristband will essentially act as a controller for the company's AR glasses, a product that has been in development for years. CEO Mark Zuckerberg strongly believes that such devices will become commonplace by 2030. His company plans to release a preliminary set later this year, but its functionalities will be limited. The choice of a wristband as a controller for AR headsets is unusual. In its official blog, the company's Facebook Reality Labs unit explained: The wrist is a traditional place to wear a watch, meaning it could reasonably fit into everyday life and social contexts. It's a comfortable location for all-day wear. It's located right next to the primary instruments you use to interact with the world -- your hands. The device does indeed look like a watch, albeit a fairly bulky one. Facebook said the wristband works through electromyography (EMG), a method by which sensors interpret electrical motor nerve signals from the body, "translating" them into digital instructions that command a device. In hyping the potential of the wristband, Facebook offered no projections as to how it, or its broader AR system, might affect its business fundamentals. 10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Facebook wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of February 24, 2021 Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Eric Volkman owns shares of Facebook. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source