Meta Set to Slash Reality Labs Staff by 10% Amidst AI Shift, Virtual Reality Division Takes Hit. Meta’s Reality Labs team is bracing for significant job losses as the company shifts its focus towards more promising technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The division's metaverse employees are expected to bear the brunt of the layoffs, with estimates suggesting around 1,500 workers could be let go - a staggering 10% of the team.
The move comes after Meta reportedly cut its metaverse budget by 30% last month. The company's chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, called an emergency meeting for Wednesday, urging staff to attend in person and labeling it as "the most important" meeting of the year. This move suggests that Bosworth is prioritizing AI over other areas, including virtual reality.
However, it appears Meta's virtual reality division is struggling to keep up with its competitors. The company's Ray-Ban smart glasses have been gaining traction, potentially drawing attention away from VR headsets. Furthermore, many users seem to be losing interest in the metaverse social platform, viewing it as dead or dying.
Meta declined to comment on the layoffs. With this move, the company is betting that its focus on AI will propel it forward, while virtual reality takes a backseat.
The move comes after Meta reportedly cut its metaverse budget by 30% last month. The company's chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, called an emergency meeting for Wednesday, urging staff to attend in person and labeling it as "the most important" meeting of the year. This move suggests that Bosworth is prioritizing AI over other areas, including virtual reality.
However, it appears Meta's virtual reality division is struggling to keep up with its competitors. The company's Ray-Ban smart glasses have been gaining traction, potentially drawing attention away from VR headsets. Furthermore, many users seem to be losing interest in the metaverse social platform, viewing it as dead or dying.
Meta declined to comment on the layoffs. With this move, the company is betting that its focus on AI will propel it forward, while virtual reality takes a backseat.
It's like politicians making tough decisions on the budget, gotta cut costs somehow. But I'm a bit worried about the impact on those 1,500 employees, it's a big chunk of their workforce being let go. That's some serious disruption 
. And what about the people who were really passionate about VR? Are they just gonna get left behind? It's like when you're in a debate with someone and you think you've got the best idea, but then you gotta adjust because circumstances change. Meta's gotta be thinking ahead here... 
they gotta stop trying to be the next google glass or whatever. and yeah, 1500 jobs lost? that's crazy 
and focus on making some real money 
... Meta's been playing catch-up in the tech game for ages and it feels like they're finally re-evaluating their priorities. The metaverse was supposed to be this revolutionary thing but honestly, I think most people just got bored with the idea 
. And with VR headsets still struggling to gain traction against more practical smart glasses, it's hard to see how VR really fits into Meta's future plans.
... I mean, we're already seeing some pretty wild advancements in that field and while I think it'll be cool to live in a world where machines can do all sorts of tasks for us, I'm not sure we're ready for that just yet. Still, at least Meta's being upfront about their plans - you don't see that kind of transparency with most companies anymore 
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it's been kinda dead for a while now 
and i think ray-ban smart glasses are a cool idea 
but let's be real, who needs vr headsets when you can just use your phone 
the problem is meta's trying to shift gears too fast 
they should've diversified their efforts more instead of putting all eggs in one basket 
. I mean, it makes sense, maybe they should've invested more in AI from the start 
. Anyway, I'm sure it'll all work out for them in the end... or not 
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And with all the new AI innovations coming out, it's only natural that Meta would shift its focus 
. But you know what? This could be an opportunity for some talented people to explore other areas within Meta 
! And who knows, maybe they'll even come up with something totally game-changing 
. The fact that Ray-Ban smart glasses are doing well is just proof that VR isn't dead yet 
...it's just evolving 
. Let's not count out the metaverse social platform just yet – it might be getting a refresh! 
... it's not just the techs, either - I've got friends who are metaverse devs and they're super passionate about what they do. It's a shame when companies shift focus so much that you start to feel like you're losing your purpose 
... and it's like, AI is cool and all, but virtual reality can be pretty cool too! 
. It's like, what's going on with Meta? They just cut their metaverse budget by 30% last month 
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