The latest Facebook news revealed that the social networking giant was able to nab Regina Dugan to lead its new hardware division. She led Google's Advanced Technologies and Projects (ATAP) Group.
The Verge reported that Facebook plans to focus hundreds of millions of their resources into developing new hardware. The company announced earlier this week that they have hired Regina Dugan to lead its new group, Building 8.
Dugan has been with Google since 2012 and was the head of its ATAP division. She also was previously with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as its director. Part of her research was about tech-infused fabrics, modular smartphones as well as Project Tango.
Facebook described Building 8 as a division that will focus on developing new hardware products. These products, in turn, are said to advance their mission of connecting the world.
Apparently, Dugan will be creating hardware powered by Facebook software. "We'll be investing hundreds of people and hundreds of millions of dollars into this effort over time, and I'm excited to see the progress they make," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.
Google has been supportive, even though this seems to be a major loss to the company. "We thank Regina Dugan for all her leadership and contributions as part of the Advanced Technology and Projects group, and wish her the very best," the company said in a statement.
According to CNBC, Zuckerberg is excited for Dugan to apply "DARPA-style breakthrough development" at Building 8. DARPA is credited for laying the groundwork on technology such as GPS.
"This method is characterized by aggressive, fixed timelines, extensive use of partnerships with universities, small and large businesses, and clear objectives for shipping products at scale," Mark Zuckerberg added. Dugan will be starting her work with Facebook soon.
WSJ added that, last year, Facebook hired high-profile Google executive Mary Lou Jepsen to work on Oculus. She specializes in display technology.
