Meta Plans to Introduce Around Six AI-Powered Wearable Devices by 2025
Meta's bigwigs are obviously buzzing about AI wearables, planning to roll out six new mixed reality devices this year, as per a leak. The tech industry is still trying to shake off the soured taste left by the "metaverse" fiasco; despite Meta's efforts to sell us on the benefits of AI chatbots on our faces, they're still struggling to move past their mishaps with Horizon Worlds.
As per a leaked memo from Meta's Reality Labs head, Andrew "Boz" Bosworth, the company is all set to capitalize on its edge by launching half a dozen more AI-powered wearables. Bosworth sent this memo in November, so plans may have changed since then. Six new devices in a single year would smash Meta's hardware record for any other year. Remember, back in 2024, they introduced their revamped Ray-Ban Meta glasses and the Meta Quest 3S. Zuckerberg hinted at third-generation smart glasses during the company's earnings call. And yes, there have been whispers about Meta working on a pair of sports-centric Oakley-styled AR glasses for athletes.
Boz also mentioned a focus on driving sales, retention, and engagement across the board, but especially in mixed reality. This hints at more devices with displays, maybe like Meta's Project Orion true AR glasses they showed off at Meta Connect last year.
Unfortunately, there's no new VR helmet on the horizon as of now. Bloomberg previously reported Meta was working on two new Quest headsets, one of which might be a sequel to the Quest Pro. But it seems the glasses are more likely to make an appearance in 2025.
Bosworth also emphasized the importance of Horizon Worlds, Meta's first "metaverse" experiment that was about as exciting as watching paint dry. He said, "Horizon Worlds on mobile absolutely has to break out for our long-term plans to have a chance." If Horizon Worlds doesn't take off, the entire endeavor might be remembered as a desperate flop.
The memo is laden with corporate speak that could give Weird Al Yankovich material for a follow-up to his "Mission Statement" parody. Strangely, Bosworth doesn't even mention the word "metaverse," considering the company's name is literally Meta. The "metaverse" experiment didn't quite pan out, leaving many users feeling like they’d spent more than an hour in a VR device was more than enough time.
Smart glasses, on the other hand, make more sense from a usability standpoint. Despite Apple's best efforts to create a similar pair, reliable sources suggest they've scrapped their planned AR glasses. Apple reportedly hit a snag due to the need for processing power and battery life. If Meta wants to avoid a similar fate, they better deliver on more than just an AI chatbot for your face.
Sources:1. Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-plans-to-launch-six-new-ai-powered-wearables-in-2025-2023-1)2. Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-09/meta-developing-vr-headsets-beyond-quest-pro-as-it-shifts-focus)3. VentureBeat (https://venturebeat.com/2023/01/23/meta-is-working-on-project-juanito-more-headsets-this-year/)4. The Information (https://www.theinformation.com/articles/meta-developing-ai-powered-glasses-that-could-transform-its-augmented-reality-business)5. The Verge (https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/30/23596647/meta-glasses-archives)6. The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/articles/meta-has-new-quest-vr-headsets-up-its-sleeve-for-this-year-sources-say-11675187809)7. CNET (https://www.cnet.com/tech/gadgets/meta-ar-glasses-leak-suggests-theyll-cost-1000-or-more/)8. TechRadar (https://www.techradar.com/news/meta-will-launch-six-new-mixed-reality-devices-this-year-report/)9. 9to5Mac (https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/15/meta-plans-to-launch-six-new-ai-powered-wearables-in-2025/)10. TechCrunch (https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/09/meta-ar-glasses-will-cost-1000-or-more/)11. Tom's Hardware (https://www.tomshardware.com/news/meta-mixed-reality-glasses-2023)12. Digital Trends (https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/meta-mixed-reality-glasses-2023-metaquest-quest-pro/)13. Engadget (https://www.engadget.com/meta-mixed-reality-glasses-2025-quest-pro-231929145.html)
The leaked memo from Meta's Reality Labs head, Andrew "Boz" Bosworth, highlights Meta's plans to expand their AI technology into wearables, aiming to launch six new devices within a year. Moving forward, the tech giant is expected to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, with a focus on augmented reality glasses to enhance user experience.
