Meta layoffs, shifting resources from VR and the metaverse to AI devices

On January 13, Meta Platforms(META.O) announced layoffs of over 1,000 employees in its Reality Labs division. This move is part of the company’s strategy to shift resources from virtual reality (VR) and metaverse products to artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and mobile phone functionalities. According to an internal notification sent by Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, employees will begin receiving layoff notices starting Tuesday morning. According to previous reports by foreign media, this round of layoffs will affect about 10% of the approximately 15,000 employees in Reality Labs. A Meta spokesperson stated, “We mentioned last month that some investments are shifting from the metaverse to wearable devices. These layoffs are part of that strategy, and we plan to reinvest the resources saved to support the growth of our wearable business this year.”(Jin10)