Meta CTO Responds To The Speculation: "VR Is Not Dead"

Meta CTO Responds to Speculation: "VR Is Not Dead"

In a recent "ask-me-anything" session on his Instagram page, Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth was asked whether VR is dead for Meta now, given the company's shift in focus towards AI glasses and wearables. Bosworth's response was clear: "No, VR is not dead. We're also investing a lot in glasses and AI, and that's the trick."

The Narrative of VR's Demise

The question of VR's viability has been a topic of debate in the tech industry for some time. With the rise of AI and other emerging technologies, some have speculated that VR is no longer a priority for Meta. However, Bosworth's response suggests that this narrative is not entirely accurate.

A Zero-Sum Game?

Bosworth explained that the way to know if there's a convenient narrative is if it appears zero-sum. In other words, if it seems like Meta is either investing in VR or AI, but not both, then that's a narrative that's not entirely true. Meta is a big company, and it can invest in multiple areas simultaneously.

A Normal Budget Process

Bosworth also explained that the budget process at Meta involves asking every team to do the same work more effectively. This means using better tools, leveraging AI, and being smart about how to allocate resources. It's a normal process that every company goes through, and it doesn't necessarily mean that VR is dead.

The Reality Labs Portfolio

Meta's Reality Labs portfolio includes VR, AR, and MR (mixed reality) technologies. While the company has shifted some of its investment from VR towards AI glasses and wearables, it's still investing in VR and other areas of the portfolio.

The Quest 3S and Horizon Worlds

In 2024, Meta launched the Quest 3S, which was the top-selling console on Amazon US for Christmas. However, the momentum didn't carry through into 2025, with Quest sales declining year-over-year in the first two quarters. Meanwhile, Meta has continued to push its Horizon Worlds "metaverse" platform, which has seen some success, particularly on smartphone-only worlds.

The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Sales of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have more than tripled this year, with over 200% growth. The glasses have been performing exceptionally well in the market, and Meta's partner EssilorLuxottica has reported strong sales figures.

The Future of VR and AR

While VR may not be dead, it's clear that the landscape is changing. Meta is investing in AI glasses and wearables, and the company is exploring new areas, such as the ultralight headset with a tethered compute puck, which is set to launch in the first half of 2027. The gaming-focused Quest 4 is also in development, and it's expected to be a large upgrade over the Quest 3.

Conclusion

The narrative of VR's demise is not entirely accurate. Meta is still investing in VR and other areas of the Reality Labs portfolio. While the company has shifted some of its investment towards AI glasses and wearables, it's clear that VR is not dead. The future of VR and AR is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the landscape is changing, and companies like Meta are adapting to stay ahead of the curve.

Forward-Looking Thoughts

As we look to the future, it's clear that VR and AR will continue to play a significant role in shaping the tech industry. With the rise of AI and other emerging technologies, it's likely that we'll see even more innovative applications of VR and AR in the years to come. Meta's investment in AI glasses and wearables is just one example of this trend, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve and adapt in the years to come.

Source: https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-cto-responds-to-speculation-vr-is-not-dead/