Meta's VR layoffs, studio closures underscore Zuckerberg's massive pivot to AI

Core Insights - Meta is making a significant shift away from its metaverse ambitions, focusing instead on artificial intelligence and wearable technology [2][4][8] Group 1: Layoffs and Restructuring - Meta has begun laying off over 1,000 employees, impacting about 10% of its hardware division, particularly within the Reality Labs focused on virtual reality [2][8] - Several studios, including Armature Studio and Twisted Pixel, are being closed as part of this restructuring [7] - The VR fitness app Supernatural, acquired for $400 million, is being moved to maintenance mode with no new content planned [8] Group 2: Shift to AI and Wearables - The company is reallocating resources from VR initiatives to AI projects, including the development of AI glasses and wearable devices [8][9] - Meta's capital expenditures for 2025 have been raised to between $70 billion and $72 billion, with expectations of larger dollar growth in 2026 [5] Group 3: Performance and Market Strategy - Meta's Reality Labs has incurred over $70 billion in cumulative losses, with a reported loss of $4.4 billion on $470 million in sales in the latest quarter [15] - The company is attempting to attract a younger audience to Horizon Worlds by courting developers from popular platforms like Roblox [12][13] - Meta is focusing on mobile gaming, moving employees to develop mobile content for Horizon Worlds, as mobile gaming has gained popularity [14] Group 4: Product Developments - Meta has delayed the global launch of its Ray-Ban Display glasses, which cost $799, due to limited inventory amid high demand [10] - The company is planning to make Horizon Worlds more accessible to Facebook and Instagram users, aiming to enhance user engagement [22]