Meta is making big changes to its virtual reality efforts. The company has announced that it will shut down its Horizon Workrooms platform, a social VR workspace, on February 16. This move comes after a series of setbacks and layoffs related to Meta’s Metaverse projects. The decision marks a significant shift in Meta’s focus away from virtual reality for business use.

Meta’s VR Initiatives Hit a Bump

Meta’s investments in the Metaverse haven’t gone as planned. The company has spent years developing VR hardware and software to create immersive digital worlds. However, recent reports indicate that more than 1,000 employees working on Metaverse projects have been laid off. The Horizon Workrooms platform, launched as part of Meta’s push into social VR, is now being shut down. The platform allowed users to hold meetings and collaborate in a virtual space using Meta Quest headsets.

This decision reflects the company’s reevaluation of its VR strategy. Meta is shifting away from VR as the primary way to experience the Metaverse. Instead, the company plans to focus on mobile phones and smart glasses, which are seen as more practical and accessible for everyday users. The move suggests that Meta is adjusting its vision to prioritize broader, more mainstream technology rather than immersive VR environments.

Impact on Hardware and Software Sales

Along with shutting down Horizon Workrooms, Meta will also cease sales of its Quest VR headsets and related business software. This affects not only consumers but also enterprise clients who relied on Meta’s VR solutions for training, meetings, and collaboration. The company has indicated that it will no longer push its Quest headset line for business use, signaling a major change in its hardware strategy.

The decision to stop sales and support for these VR products may impact users who have invested in Meta’s VR ecosystem. It also raises questions about the future of Meta’s ambitions in virtual and augmented reality. The focus on mobile and smart glasses suggests that Meta believes these platforms offer a better path forward for connecting users and expanding the Metaverse.

Overall, Meta’s shift away from VR-centric projects marks a new chapter. While the company still sees potential in the Metaverse, it appears to be moving toward more practical and widely adopted devices. This strategic change could influence the direction of virtual reality and augmented reality development in the coming years.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4118707/meta-shuts-down-vr-platform-horizon-workrooms.html

Sources

• meta.com
• theverge.com