Meta recently announced a major shift for its virtual world, Horizon Worlds, moving away from the metaverse to focus on mobile platforms. This change reflects a broader rethinking of its VR strategy after facing significant financial losses—around $80 billion since 2020.
In the past month alone, Meta laid off about 1,500 employees from its Reality Labs division, which is roughly 10% of its workforce. They also closed several VR game studios, signaling a shift in priorities. The popular VR fitness app Supernatural will no longer produce new content, instead entering “maintenance mode.”
Originally launched in 2021, Horizon Worlds has now expanded to mobile and web platforms. The aim is to attract a larger audience by competing with platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. Samantha Ryan, the VP of content at Reality Labs, mentioned that this mobile-first approach will allow them to connect with billions of users across major social networks.
While VR remains a part of Meta’s plans, with new headsets on the horizon aimed at different market segments, the company is shifting focus toward AI. CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed confidence that AI glasses will become a standard in the coming years, highlighting that sales of Meta’s current glasses have tripled over the past year.
This move reflects a changing tech landscape, where the emphasis is increasingly on artificial intelligence and wearable technology rather than immersive virtual experiences. As Meta pivots, industry analysts suggest that this could set the stage for innovative developments in AI-powered wearables, putting them at the forefront of consumer technology.
For more details about Meta’s updates, you can check the official blog here.
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