Facebook nabs Google’s advanced technology head for new hardware lab

By Saqib Shah April 14, 2016

facebook nascent objects regina dugan fb — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Facebook may have mapped out its product strategy for the next decade at its F8 Developers Conference, but that’s not going to stop it from working on new projects.

Now, it seems the social network has found a lead for its multimillion-dollar ventures. Regina Dugan, former head of the Defense Advanced Research Agency (DARPA), has been assigned the task, which will see her assume a similar role as to her most recent position as Google’s Advanced Technology and Products (ATAP) team leader.

Dugan will take the reins at the new Facebook enterprise, known as Building 8, which will focus on “ambitious” R&D to create “breakthrough products,” reports Forbes.

Without giving away too much about Building 8, Dugan stated that it will develop hardware products that utilize Facebook’s expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence. The products will reportedly support CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of a connected world.

“I’m excited to have Regina apply DARPA-style breakthrough development at the intersection of science and products to our mission,” wrote Zuckerberg in a Facebook post announcing Dugan’s arrival. “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.”

Dugan made history as the first woman to become the director if DARPA in 2009. The 53-year-old is known for pursuing ambitious projects to tight deadlines. Her past approach, both at DARPA and Google, relied on scientific innovation in collaboration with external teams in academia and beyond. While at Google, this strategy resulted in the development of modular smartphones, 3D mapping devices, and smart technology.

In a sentimental post on Facebook, Dugan remarked on her new position while claiming that a part of her will always be with ATAP. “I am…tremendously excited. Building 8 is an opportunity to do what I love most… tech infused with a sense of our humanity,” writes Dugan. “Audacious science delivered at scale in products that feel almost magic. A little badass. And beautiful. There is much to build at Facebook… and the mission is human… compelling.”

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Saqib Shah is a Twitter addict and film fan with an obsessive interest in pop culture trends. In his spare time he can be…

Business

Squarespace Courses: Empowering the next-generation of creative entrepreneurs

Squarespace Courses will allow entrepreneurs to create online learning solutions

This content was produced in partnership with Squarespace.
It's been clear from the very start that Squarespace was building and planning something truly special. If you don't already know, you can build professional-quality and beautiful websites through the platform with a remarkably easy tool set. You don't need any knowledge of web design or programming to get started, and you can have a site up in minutes. But thanks to how convenient it all is, it's become something of a go-to platform for digital and online creation. Now, Squarespace is elevating its all-in-one platform even more, offering something new to the next generation of entrepreneurs and creatives, who want to build their brands and monetize their audience. It's called Squarespace Courses, and like its website builder, the tool will allow customers to design and sell beautiful, multimedia courses to their customers.

Course designers will be able to create expansive programs across sequential lessons, using videos, and chapters, all while also offering progress tracking. As is customary for online courses, entrepreneurs can then create an overview of each course, set the prices for admission, and then allow potential students to preview content before making a purchase. Launching August 21st, 2023 this feature is simply not available through other easy-website-building platforms -- it's exclusive to Squarespace.

Deals

Semrush Free Trial: Try the advanced online marketing tool

Marketing will make or break your new venture. A lot more goes into running a traditional or ecommerce business than just registering a new domain, making a website -- even with a Wix free trial -- and calling it a day. Potential customers must be made aware that your business exists, and for that to happen in the digital age, you need to make use of modern online marketing tools. That's a broad field, though, encompassing keyword research, search engine optimization, data analytics, and other elements that can be pretty technical (not to mention intimidating) to the uninitiated. Enter Semrush, one of the best online marketing suites that makes all that stuff easy -- but it's not free. Maybe you want to give it a try before signing up for a premium subscription? If that's the case and you are looking for a Semrush free trial, then you're in luck. Read on. We have all the details for you, below.

Is there a Semrush free trial?

Computing

The best free antivirus software for 2023

A close-up of someone's hands as the person sits on a couch and types on a laptop.

For years, if you wanted the best antivirus software, you had to pay up for genuine protection and security. Any free antivirus software admittedly lacked some critical features, like fraud protection or link blocking.

While some antivirus programs cost money, there are plenty of free options with fantastic features. These days, you don’t always have to miss out on features like malware blockers just because these antivirus options are free. Plus, you can download these programs and start using them immediately.
The best free antivirus software at a glance