Meta is lowering its ambitions for a large number of its future products which should serve as an entry point to the metaverse. This is reported on June 9 by The Information and Bloomberg. Among the devices concerned, the company’s next connected glasses and watches as well as the Portal connected screens.
A glasses model only available to developers
This is surprising news that has been revealed by employees working at Reality Labs, the division of Meta responsible for the development of virtual reality (VR) and augmented (AR) devices. The first version of the tech giant’s AR glasses, codenamed Nazare, will ultimately not be available to the general public. Instead, they will be distributed to developers so that they can design software compatible with future models of glasses.
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Meta plans to release three different versions of the augmented reality glasses over the next few years. Some executives believe that several features, such as screen brightness, are not yet ready. Making the first pair accessible only for developers will allow the development of applications or filters to enrich the experience of the first future customers.
The second eyewear model, dubbed Artemis, is still intended for sale to consumers.
The abandoned connected watch project
In addition to not putting its first pair of AR glasses on sale, Meta is abandoning its dual camera smartwatch project. The device, answering to the code name Milan, had been in the boxes for several years. Meta planned to start shipping in the spring of 2023 for around $349. This model of connected watch had to differentiate itself from its competitors thanks to two cameras. A 5 megapixel on the dial for video calls and a 12 megapixel below for taking photos and videos when the bracelet is detached.
The wristband prototype developed by Facebook, equipped with electromyographic sensors to “interpret” the movements of the user. Picture: Facebook.
With this project, Meta intended to impose itself on the “smartwatches” market by offering various functionalities. GPS, notification management, physical activity tracking and integration of Meta services such as Facebook and Instagram. The strap of the watch was designed to respond to the movements of the hand thanks to the electromyogram. These are electrical impulses in the nervous system capable of understanding gestures and transcribing them in order.
Meta also announced the end of production of Portal, its connected screens, intended for individuals. The Californian company seeks to focus on commercial use of the next models of the device.
Reality Labs financial health in jeopardy
This sudden step back from Meta highlights its financial difficulties recently encountered. In the first quarter of 2022, the Reality Labs division recorded a loss of $3 billion. A substantial sum which is added to the $ 10.2 billion deficit recorded in 2021.
At the beginning of May, the parent company of Facebook decided to cut part of the budget of the branch dedicated to the development of the metaverse and to slow down its recruitments. Investors are increasingly wary of Mark Zuckerberg’s hopes for these digital worlds.