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Meta’s Reality Labs Explores Innovative Wearable AI Technology
As wearable technology continues to evolve rapidly, Meta’s Reality Labs is at the forefront of this transformation, seeking to incorporate AI into various bodily accessories. Andrew Bosworth, the Chief Technology Officer at Meta, has expressed an expansive vision for how AI can be seamlessly integrated into wearable forms.
Bosworth emphasized in a recent interview with Command Line, a tech newsletter, that if there’s a part of the human body capable of housing a wearable AI device, Meta has likely investigated the possibility. “If there’s a part of your body that could potentially host a wearable that could do AI, there’s a good chance we’ve had a team run that down,” he stated, reflecting the ambitious spirit driving Reality Labs.
At the helm of this division known for its innovations in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), Bosworth recently showcased Orion, the company’s latest augmented reality glasses. These glasses aim to deliver a high-quality AR experience while resembling standard eyewear, a development Bosworth describes as “the most advanced piece of technology on the planet in its domain.”
However, Reality Labs has also been navigating financial challenges, which have prompted substantial budget reductions in the past year. The division’s hardware teams face a nearly 20% spending cut as part of a broader financial strategy that extends into 2026. Layoffs have also been a part of this restructuring, predominantly impacting middle and senior management roles.
Despite these constraints, Reality Labs continues to explore and develop new concepts. The division is working on a variety of projects, including camera earbuds and mixed reality goggles. “If there’s a concept that you could imagine, we either have had or do have somebody building a thing around it,” Bosworth noted, showcasing the team’s innovative spirit.
Development Process at Reality Labs
Bosworth elaborated on the systematic approach Reality Labs employs in bringing its products from concept to market. The process begins with a pre-discovery team that prototypes various new ideas. These prototypes are then reviewed, with only a select few advancing for further exploration. Successful concepts progress to the product roadmap, with approximately half eventually making it to the public after passing final testing.
Currently, the camera earbuds are in the early development phase, while a unique pair of “steampunk” mixed reality goggles has progressed to the product release stage, according to Command Line. Bosworth reiterated the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “We definitely don’t want to be outflanked by someone who came up with some clever, integrated wearable that we hadn’t thought about.”
As the competition in the wearable technology space intensifies, Meta’s Reality Labs stands poised to potentially redefine how AI is integrated into everyday devices, even as it navigates its current fiscal challenges. The technological landscape is rapidly changing, and Reality Labs aims to remain a pertinent player in this evolving field.
Meta has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these developments from Business Insider.
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