Meta's End Game: No VR Headsets Needed as AR Glasses Take Over
In a move that signals the end of virtual reality (VR) as we know it, Meta has announced its intention to cut ties with its popular VR platform, Horizon Workrooms. The company's decision is a clear indication that VR headsets are no longer a viable option for remote work.
Workrooms, introduced in 2021, allowed users to create immersive virtual meeting spaces, complete with avatars and customizable environments. However, the experience was plagued by limitations, including an uncomfortable headset-wearing experience, eye strain, and fatigue. The novelty of seeing avatars instead of traditional video conferencing quickly wore off after a few hours.
Now, Meta is shifting its focus to augmented reality (AR) glasses, touting them as the next step in remote work. The company's new direction suggests that AR glasses will become the default tool for virtual meetings, offering a more comfortable and lifelike experience.
The decision to axe Workrooms has been attributed to cuts made by Meta to its Reality Labs division, which includes the studio behind several high-profile VR games, including Batman: Arkham Shadow. The layoffs have left many wondering what's next for Meta, but it's clear that virtual reality is no longer a key focus.
Instead, the company is investing in AR glasses and AI-powered tools. The Meta Ray-Ban Display, for example, offers a glimpse into the future of remote work, with its limited app offerings already supporting POV video call features. It's easy to imagine glasses that use a similar concept for hosting work meetings or livestreaming.
As we move towards a more AR-centric future, it's likely that our screens will be forever changed. The promise of "everlasting Zoom meetings" may seem far-fetched now, but with the progress of face-based wearables and the growth of AR technology, it's possible that we'll soon find ourselves staring at augmented reality glasses instead of traditional screens.
The writing is on the wall: VR headsets are a thing of the past. As Meta focuses on AR glasses, we can expect to see a shift towards more immersive and interactive remote work experiences. But for now, the future of virtual meetings looks decidedly different.
In a move that signals the end of virtual reality (VR) as we know it, Meta has announced its intention to cut ties with its popular VR platform, Horizon Workrooms. The company's decision is a clear indication that VR headsets are no longer a viable option for remote work.
Workrooms, introduced in 2021, allowed users to create immersive virtual meeting spaces, complete with avatars and customizable environments. However, the experience was plagued by limitations, including an uncomfortable headset-wearing experience, eye strain, and fatigue. The novelty of seeing avatars instead of traditional video conferencing quickly wore off after a few hours.
Now, Meta is shifting its focus to augmented reality (AR) glasses, touting them as the next step in remote work. The company's new direction suggests that AR glasses will become the default tool for virtual meetings, offering a more comfortable and lifelike experience.
The decision to axe Workrooms has been attributed to cuts made by Meta to its Reality Labs division, which includes the studio behind several high-profile VR games, including Batman: Arkham Shadow. The layoffs have left many wondering what's next for Meta, but it's clear that virtual reality is no longer a key focus.
Instead, the company is investing in AR glasses and AI-powered tools. The Meta Ray-Ban Display, for example, offers a glimpse into the future of remote work, with its limited app offerings already supporting POV video call features. It's easy to imagine glasses that use a similar concept for hosting work meetings or livestreaming.
As we move towards a more AR-centric future, it's likely that our screens will be forever changed. The promise of "everlasting Zoom meetings" may seem far-fetched now, but with the progress of face-based wearables and the growth of AR technology, it's possible that we'll soon find ourselves staring at augmented reality glasses instead of traditional screens.
The writing is on the wall: VR headsets are a thing of the past. As Meta focuses on AR glasses, we can expect to see a shift towards more immersive and interactive remote work experiences. But for now, the future of virtual meetings looks decidedly different.