Meta AR Vision Faces: In a development that has sent ripples through the tech industry, Don Box, the Vice President of Engineering responsible for overseeing augmented reality (AR) software at Meta, has announced his departure from the company, prompting speculation about the future of Meta’s AR endeavors. The news comes amid Meta’s concerted efforts to develop a custom operating system crucial for its planned AR glasses.
The announcement was made internally earlier this week, and while Box did not provide specific details about his next steps, a Meta spokesperson confirmed that he would be leaving the company for personal reasons by the end of this week. The spokesperson emphasized that Box’s decision would not alter the product roadmap, assuring that Meta remains committed to its AR glasses project.
Don Box, a seasoned engineer with a track record of building major technology systems from their inception, played a pivotal role in Meta’s pursuit of AR technology. His departure has sparked concerns about potential setbacks in the progress of the operating system, a key component of Meta’s ambitious AR glasses project. Meta had initially aimed to release a first generation of its AR glasses for internal use and a select group of developers by next year, with consumer availability projected for 2027.
The spokesperson declined to provide specifics about whether the operating system developed by Box’s team would be featured in the initial release of the AR glasses. This lack of clarity raises questions about the company’s ability to meet its ambitious timelines and deliver a fully functional and immersive AR product to consumers.
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Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, has positioned AR glasses as a crucial component of the company’s vision to build an immersive virtual “metaverse” and replace conventional computing devices such as laptops and mobile phones. However, the challenges in realizing this vision have become apparent, with Andrew Bosworth, CTO of Meta’s Reality Labs division, acknowledging that significant hurdles remain before bringing a market-ready AR product.
The departure of Box follows Meta’s struggles in developing custom silicon for its AR/VR products, leading to recent layoffs in its Reality Labs custom silicon unit. Meta had initially hired Box in 2021 to guide the company’s direction following the discontinuation of its XROS project, which aimed to create a unified custom operating system for virtual reality headsets, smart glasses like Ray-Ban Stories, and planned augmented reality glasses.
Box’s tenure at Meta involved restructuring the XROS unit and personally overseeing the team focused on AR software. His extensive experience, including his role at Microsoft where he led the creation of the Xbox One operating system and headed Microsoft’s core operating system group, made him a central figure in Meta’s efforts to advance AR technology.
The departure of such a key figure raises questions not only about Meta’s immediate plans for AR development but also about the broader landscape of augmented reality in the tech industry. As Meta navigates the complexities of hardware development, custom operating systems, and the evolving metaverse concept, industry observers will be closely watching for further developments and how the company adapts to these challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
Does Meta have AR glasses?
The size of Meta’s AR glasses is so massive that it may prevent the outside world from ever laying eyes on this specific version. According to Bosworth, the glasses are “prohibitively expensive” and require an extremely complicated assembly process. In fact, the complexity is so high that no two pairs of glasses built by Meta are identical.
Is the Meta 3 worth it?
If you’re looking to dive into VR gaming for the next few years, we highly recommend the Meta Quest 3. It’s definitely worth the investment. Simply save up and head over to Amazon or your preferred retailer to make the purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Is AR used in metaverse?
The metaverse is leading the charge in revolutionizing the way we interact with the digital world. It’s a virtual space that merges seamlessly with reality, and at its core is the concept of Augmented Reality (AR). AR is a game-changing technology that amplifies our senses and perception of the world around us. It’s a powerful tool that’s driving the metaverse forward and transforming the way we experience the digital realm.
Is Meta Quest 2 worth it?
Absolutely! The Meta Quest 2 is a fantastic option for those who want to experience virtual reality without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent entry-level headset that provides access to a vast selection of games. Plus, it’s worth noting that the Meta Quest 2 will continue to receive support even after the release of the Quest 3. So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to dive into the world of VR, the Meta Quest 2 is definitely worth considering.