Meta, is encountering obstacles on its path to realizing its vision. The company is set to lay off employees from its Reality Labs division, which focuses on creating customized silicon for AR/VR devices, according to credible inside sources.
This development raises concerns about Meta’s capability to develop competitive custom silicon and raises questions about its collaborations with external providers like Qualcomm.
News of the layoffs reached employees through Meta’s internal discussion forum, Workplace. The notifications regarding their employment status are expected by this week.
Reality Labs division
Although Meta has remained tight-lipped about the issue, this move could potentially impede CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s ambitious goal of reshaping human interaction with technology through augmented and virtual reality.
The custom silicon unit, known as Facebook Agile Silicon Team (FAST), employs approximately 600 people and aims to differentiate Meta’s devices in the burgeoning AR/VR market.
This layoff news might signify more extensive challenges within Meta Platforms. The company has already shed approximately 21,000 jobs since last November, primarily in response to investor concerns about slowed revenue growth and high operating costs.
READ: Facebook Owner Meta Anticipated to Announce Huge Job Layoffs
This recent layoff could be another step in cost-cutting, especially given that Reality Labs has been incurring financial losses. Additionally, it raises questions about Meta’s dedication to internal innovation, particularly as the company has collaborated with external chip maker Qualcomm for its currently available devices.
Despite these setbacks, Meta remains resolute in its pursuit of the metaverse. The company continues to work on new products such as sleeker AR glasses and smartwatches, expected to be finalized next year, although not for immediate mass consumer release.
ManilaShaker is a tech media producing insightful and helpful content for our local and growing international audience. Our goal is to create a premier Philippine digital consumer electronics resource that provides the most objective reviews and comparisons globally.
