Meta Platforms Inc. META CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reaffirmed his commitment to the metaverse despite the current AI hype.
Meta’s Metaverse and AI: Zuckerberg’s Reassurance
What Happened: In an interview with the Morning Brew Daily podcast, Zuckerberg addressed the overshadowing of the metaverse by AI. The podcaster pointed out that “AI” was mentioned 70 times on Meta’s latest earnings call, compared to just seven mentions of the “metaverse.” Zuckerburg acknowledged that industry trends may influence the company’s public discussions but stressed that Meta remains committed to both AI and the metaverse for the long term.
Zuckerberg reassured that, despite industry hype, Meta continues to heavily invest in both AI and the metaverse, with an annual investment of approximately $15 billion into each of them. He noted that while the hype cycle currently leans toward AI, Meta remains resolute in its dedication to developing the metaverse.
Historical Context: Past Scrutiny and Public Opinion
Zuckerberg’s comments come at a time when Meta’s metaverse initiatives have faced significant scrutiny, particularly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk had publicly mocked Meta’s $36 billion metaverse investment, calling it a “genius move.” Last year, reports emerged that the tech giant was preparing to lay off employees in its metaverse-oriented silicon unit, Reality Labs, prompting questions about its metaverse strategy.
In addition, earlier this month, both Zuckerberg and Meta’s CTO expressed preference for their company’s Quest 3 over Apple’s first-generation mixed reality headset, Vision Pro. Zuckerberg emphasized that Quest is not only the better value but also the superior product overall, while Meta’s CTO criticized Apple’s device for its substantial weight and unsatisfactory trade-offs.
The Future of the Metaverse
Zuckerberg’s unwavering stance on the metaverse, amidst current AI dominance, may prove pivotal in shaping Meta’s long-term strategy. As Meta continues to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape, Zuckerberg’s commitment to the metaverse signals the tech giant’s determination in a realm where public opinion and industry trends often wax and wane.
Further Developments and Conclusion
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
