Meta Looks to Expand Beyond Virtual Reality Headsets with New Hardware Acquisition
In a move that suggests the company's ambitions go beyond its existing virtual reality (VR) headset offerings, Meta has acquired Limitless, the maker of an AI-powered wearable device called Pendant. The startup, which was known for its desktop productivity software Rewind and Bluetooth microphone Pendant, will now join forces with Meta to develop consumer hardware.
The acquisition marks a significant shift in Meta's strategy, as the company had previously focused primarily on selling VR headsets and AI smart glasses. However, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed his vision of bringing "personal superintelligence" to everyone, which includes developing wearable devices that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance users' lives.
Limitless' first product was Rewind, a desktop productivity software that recorded user activities and provided a searchable database for easy interaction via a chatbot. The company later expanded into hardware with Pendant, a clip-on Bluetooth microphone that applied similar AI-driven concepts to audio recording. While some critics have raised concerns about privacy, the device's functionality is undeniable.
As part of the acquisition, Limitless plans to support its existing Pendant customers for at least another year but will no longer sell the wearable going forward. Existing customers can still access all Pendant features without a subscription, although availability may vary by region. Users with stored data can also export or delete it if desired.
The move into AI wearables aligns with Amazon's acquisition of Bee, an AI wearable company in July 2022, which suggests that Meta is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the growing market for wearable devices that utilize AI capabilities. The recent hiring of former Apple design lead Alan Dye further fuels speculation about Meta's future plans.
The implications are clear: Meta is expanding its hardware offerings beyond VR headsets and smart glasses, likely setting the stage for new products like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Meta Ray-Ban Display. These wearable devices will utilize AI to enhance users' experiences, providing a more seamless integration of virtual reality into daily life.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it's essential to keep an eye on Meta's forays into consumer hardware. With its acquisition of Limitless, the company is taking a significant step towards realizing its vision of making AI-driven wearables accessible to everyone.
In a move that suggests the company's ambitions go beyond its existing virtual reality (VR) headset offerings, Meta has acquired Limitless, the maker of an AI-powered wearable device called Pendant. The startup, which was known for its desktop productivity software Rewind and Bluetooth microphone Pendant, will now join forces with Meta to develop consumer hardware.
The acquisition marks a significant shift in Meta's strategy, as the company had previously focused primarily on selling VR headsets and AI smart glasses. However, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed his vision of bringing "personal superintelligence" to everyone, which includes developing wearable devices that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance users' lives.
Limitless' first product was Rewind, a desktop productivity software that recorded user activities and provided a searchable database for easy interaction via a chatbot. The company later expanded into hardware with Pendant, a clip-on Bluetooth microphone that applied similar AI-driven concepts to audio recording. While some critics have raised concerns about privacy, the device's functionality is undeniable.
As part of the acquisition, Limitless plans to support its existing Pendant customers for at least another year but will no longer sell the wearable going forward. Existing customers can still access all Pendant features without a subscription, although availability may vary by region. Users with stored data can also export or delete it if desired.
The move into AI wearables aligns with Amazon's acquisition of Bee, an AI wearable company in July 2022, which suggests that Meta is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the growing market for wearable devices that utilize AI capabilities. The recent hiring of former Apple design lead Alan Dye further fuels speculation about Meta's future plans.
The implications are clear: Meta is expanding its hardware offerings beyond VR headsets and smart glasses, likely setting the stage for new products like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Meta Ray-Ban Display. These wearable devices will utilize AI to enhance users' experiences, providing a more seamless integration of virtual reality into daily life.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it's essential to keep an eye on Meta's forays into consumer hardware. With its acquisition of Limitless, the company is taking a significant step towards realizing its vision of making AI-driven wearables accessible to everyone.
! They're clearly trying to stay ahead of Amazon and other competitors in the wearable tech space, which has become as crucial as a politician's campaign promises 
. This latest development shows that Meta's commitment to AI-driven innovation goes beyond just VR headsets – it's like they're voting for a future where humans are augmented with tech! 
. While Limitless' wearable device has its limitations, especially when it comes to user data and privacy concerns 
, Meta is pushing forward with this idea like they're trying to get more votes in the next election 
.
. Who knows what other surprises Meta has up their sleeve? Will we see the Meta Ray-Ban Display become a real product? Only time (and the next election 
...
not just for gaming or watching vids but also for productivity and stuff that can make life easier 
the pendant thing sounds pretty cool, especially with the chatbot aspect 
They're just gonna put a fancy face on some boring tech and expect us to buy into it. Limitless is already doing that with their Pendant thing, but hey, at least they tried something new. And Amazon did the same with Bee, so maybe Meta's not entirely crazy. But, for real tho, I'm still good with my VR headset – give me a break from being glued to a screen. AI wearables are just another way for them to collect our data and sell us more stuff. I guess we'll have to wait and see if they actually make something that's not just a fancy trash can... 
... like what took them so long to venture out of VR headsets? I mean I know they're always talking about "personal superintelligence" and all that, but it feels like they were waiting for the right moment to make a move.
... maybe something like a smartwatch or fitness tracker? Either way, I think it's gonna be interesting to watch their progress 
I'm low-key hyped about this news!!! Meta expanding into wearable devices? 
It's like they're on the same wavelength as Amazon with their Bee acquisition! 
Mark Zuckerberg is a genius, tbh 
what if these wearable devices end up being more about surveillance than convenience? but at the same time, i mean, having AI-powered devices that make our lives easier can't be bad, right? 
they want to make these wearable devices more mainstream and useful for people's daily lives 
plus, with mark zuckerberg's vision of "personal superintelligence", they're thinking big 
. The only thing I'm worried about is the whole privacy thing, but if Meta's handling it properly, then yeah, let's get excited for some awesome new tech! 
The potential is huge! I'm also curious about how they'll balance user privacy with the benefits of these devices. But overall, I think this acquisition is a step in the right direction for Meta and for the tech industry as a whole