Meta Platforms(US:META) 量子位·2026-01-14 11:19Core Viewpoint - Meta is significantly scaling back its metaverse ambitions by laying off over 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division, reallocating resources towards AI hardware and wearable devices instead [2][3][5]. Group 1: Layoffs and Strategic Shift - Meta is cutting approximately 10% of its Reality Labs workforce, which translates to over 1,000 job losses [5]. - The layoffs are part of a broader strategy to reduce investment in the metaverse, with resources redirected to emerging fields like AI and wearable technology [3][29]. - The company has closed three notable VR game studios, indicating a fundamental shift in its VR content strategy [11]. Group 2: Financial Context - Reality Labs has incurred cumulative losses exceeding $70 billion since the company's pivot to the metaverse in 2021, highlighting the unsustainable nature of its current business model [18][19]. - The financial strain has prompted management to take drastic measures to restore overall financial health [19][28]. Group 3: New Strategic Focus - Meta is transitioning from a metaverse-first approach to a comprehensive focus on AI, with AGI identified as a core future goal [29]. - A new department, "Meta Computing," has been established to oversee infrastructure development necessary for this AI-centric strategy [29]. - The company aims to integrate generative AI technology into its applications, enhancing advertising efficiency and providing stable cash flow for future investments [30]. Group 4: Hardware and User Interaction Changes - The positioning of hardware has fundamentally changed, with smart glasses being redefined as "sensors" for AI assistants [32]. - Meta is moving away from traditional VR interactions, adopting a new standard based on visual recognition and voice commands [33]. - The goal is to create a wearable AI assistant that users can interact with naturally, without manual input [34].