Latest news with #OculusRift
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meta (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news
Meta (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news originally appeared on TheStreet. Meta Platforms () has been in full focus recently after an internal communication revealed something shocking. After becoming the market's first social media giant, the company has shifted its focus to expanding into the artificial intelligence (AI) field. As this new frontier of the tech sector has continued to grow rapidly, Meta has maneuvered to compete with its Magnificent 7 peers, a group of market leaders responsible for much of the industry's growth. 💵💰💰💵 Last week (the final week of May), Meta reported strong Q1 earnings and high capital expenditure plans, indicating that it intends to continue scaling its AI efforts. However, that's not the only noteworthy thing Meta has revealed recently. According to reports, the company is planning on expanding into another area, one that many people likely didn't see coming. This news has left both investors and consumers with pressing questions. In March 2016, long before the launch of ChatGPT kicked off the current AI revolution, Meta captured many people's attention when it released the Oculus Rift, its first virtual reality (VR) headset. This device marked the company's foray into consumer products. Since then, Meta has expanded its VR lineup, cashing in on the growing interest in both VR and metaverse gaming. Its products can be found in stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. But now Meta plans on taking its consumer tech expansion a step further, in the form of retail stores. Per Business Insider:'The company has a project to expand its retail footprint, which is not broadly known internally yet, according to an internal communication seen by Business Insider. The communication also said Meta planned to hire retail employees.' Meta already has one retail store, which is located on its campus in Burlingame, California. Opened in 2022, the Meta Store allows visitors to sample the company's hardware products, similar in both strategy and appearance to the typical Apple store. Additionally, last year, Meta hinted at a retail expansion when it debuted a pop-up shop in Los Angeles to sell its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. CTO Andrew Bosworth has described 2025 as the company's 'most critical' year, adding that it plans to significantly expand its AI-powered wearables lineup. Now it seems that Meta is delivering on that promise, threatening to rival Apple as it expands into the physical retail space. While the number of stores Meta plans on opening has not yet been revealed, some experts believe this step is necessary for Meta's growth to continue. More Consumer Tech News: Analyst has blunt words on Trump's iPhone tariff plansBest Buy CEO raises red flag about startling customer behaviorApple users will hate the latest news from Capitol Hill 'They aren't opening stores because they want to—they're doing it because they have to,' states technology founder and strategist Jared Navarre. 'Because the technology they're building can't be sold through a screen. It has to be experienced. It's like trying to describe childbirth to someone who's never felt it—words will never be enough.' Meta's decision makes sense, as it looks to cement its reputation not just as a social media company but as a consumer tech producer that makes wearable AI-powered devices. However, it comes at a time when Jonny Ive, the former Apple leader credited with designing the iPod and iPhone, has joined forces with partnership with the maker of ChatGPT is poised to make the consumer tech market even more competitive. And as Reilly Newman, founder of Motif Brands, tells TheStreet, it isn't the only risk Meta is facing. 'The desired behavior of shoppers is likely to be uphill for Meta because the brand isn't associated with a 'physical' brand in the minds of consumers,' he speculates.'The brand's position as a social media and advertising empire frames it not as a product brand. Overcoming this perception will be challenging because it involves rewiring how people view Meta, which must be accomplished through reassigning new meanings via associations.' Even so, other experts feel that Meta may benefit from a shift in the industry if it can correctly execute this transition. Felix Hartmann, Managing Partner at Hartmann Capital, predicts that the consumer tech market is entering a 'story over storefront' era. 'In a world flooded with digital noise, the companies that win will be the ones who can create visceral, in-person magic,' he (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meta (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news
Meta (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news originally appeared on TheStreet. Meta Platforms () has been in full focus recently after an internal communication revealed something shocking. After becoming the market's first social media giant, the company has shifted its focus to expanding into the artificial intelligence (AI) field. As this new frontier of the tech sector has continued to grow rapidly, Meta has maneuvered to compete with its Magnificent 7 peers, a group of market leaders responsible for much of the industry's growth. 💵💰💰💵 Last week (the final week of May), Meta reported strong Q1 earnings and high capital expenditure plans, indicating that it intends to continue scaling its AI efforts. However, that's not the only noteworthy thing Meta has revealed recently. According to reports, the company is planning on expanding into another area, one that many people likely didn't see coming. This news has left both investors and consumers with pressing questions. In March 2016, long before the launch of ChatGPT kicked off the current AI revolution, Meta captured many people's attention when it released the Oculus Rift, its first virtual reality (VR) headset. This device marked the company's foray into consumer products. Since then, Meta has expanded its VR lineup, cashing in on the growing interest in both VR and metaverse gaming. Its products can be found in stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. But now Meta plans on taking its consumer tech expansion a step further, in the form of retail stores. Per Business Insider:'The company has a project to expand its retail footprint, which is not broadly known internally yet, according to an internal communication seen by Business Insider. The communication also said Meta planned to hire retail employees.' Meta already has one retail store, which is located on its campus in Burlingame, California. Opened in 2022, the Meta Store allows visitors to sample the company's hardware products, similar in both strategy and appearance to the typical Apple store. Additionally, last year, Meta hinted at a retail expansion when it debuted a pop-up shop in Los Angeles to sell its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. CTO Andrew Bosworth has described 2025 as the company's 'most critical' year, adding that it plans to significantly expand its AI-powered wearables lineup. Now it seems that Meta is delivering on that promise, threatening to rival Apple as it expands into the physical retail space. While the number of stores Meta plans on opening has not yet been revealed, some experts believe this step is necessary for Meta's growth to continue. More Consumer Tech News: Analyst has blunt words on Trump's iPhone tariff plansBest Buy CEO raises red flag about startling customer behaviorApple users will hate the latest news from Capitol Hill 'They aren't opening stores because they want to—they're doing it because they have to,' states technology founder and strategist Jared Navarre. 'Because the technology they're building can't be sold through a screen. It has to be experienced. It's like trying to describe childbirth to someone who's never felt it—words will never be enough.' Meta's decision makes sense, as it looks to cement its reputation not just as a social media company but as a consumer tech producer that makes wearable AI-powered devices. However, it comes at a time when Jonny Ive, the former Apple leader credited with designing the iPod and iPhone, has joined forces with partnership with the maker of ChatGPT is poised to make the consumer tech market even more competitive. And as Reilly Newman, founder of Motif Brands, tells TheStreet, it isn't the only risk Meta is facing. 'The desired behavior of shoppers is likely to be uphill for Meta because the brand isn't associated with a 'physical' brand in the minds of consumers,' he speculates.'The brand's position as a social media and advertising empire frames it not as a product brand. Overcoming this perception will be challenging because it involves rewiring how people view Meta, which must be accomplished through reassigning new meanings via associations.' Even so, other experts feel that Meta may benefit from a shift in the industry if it can correctly execute this transition. Felix Hartmann, Managing Partner at Hartmann Capital, predicts that the consumer tech market is entering a 'story over storefront' era. 'In a world flooded with digital noise, the companies that win will be the ones who can create visceral, in-person magic,' he (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Meta (Facebook) shocks retail world with unexpected news
Meta Platforms (META) has been in full focus recently after an internal communication revealed something shocking. After becoming the market's first social media giant, the company has shifted its focus to expanding into the artificial intelligence (AI) field. As this new frontier of the tech sector has continued to grow rapidly, Meta has maneuvered to compete with its Magnificent 7 peers, a group of market leaders responsible for much of the industry's growth. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Last week (the final week of May), Meta reported strong Q1 earnings and high capital expenditure plans, indicating that it intends to continue scaling its AI efforts. However, that's not the only noteworthy thing Meta has revealed recently. According to reports, the company is planning on expanding into another area, one that many people likely didn't see coming. This news has left both investors and consumers with pressing questions. In March 2016, long before the launch of ChatGPT kicked off the current AI revolution, Meta captured many people's attention when it released the Oculus Rift, its first virtual reality (VR) headset. This device marked the company's foray into consumer products. Since then, Meta has expanded its VR lineup, cashing in on the growing interest in both VR and metaverse gaming. Its products can be found in stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. But now Meta plans on taking its consumer tech expansion a step further, in the form of retail stores. Per Business Insider: Related: Tell-all says Facebook used sinister tactics on vulnerable group "The company has a project to expand its retail footprint, which is not broadly known internally yet, according to an internal communication seen by Business Insider. The communication also said Meta planned to hire retail employees." Meta already has one retail store, which is located on its campus in Burlingame, California. Opened in 2022, the Meta Store allows visitors to sample the company's hardware products, similar in both strategy and appearance to the typical Apple store. Additionally, last year, Meta hinted at a retail expansion when it debuted a pop-up shop in Los Angeles to sell its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. CTO Andrew Bosworth has described 2025 as the company's "most critical" year, adding that it plans to significantly expand its AI-powered wearables lineup. Now it seems that Meta is delivering on that promise, threatening to rival Apple as it expands into the physical retail space. While the number of stores Meta plans on opening has not yet been revealed, some experts believe this step is necessary for Meta's growth to continue. More Consumer Tech News: Analyst has blunt words on Trump's iPhone tariff plansBest Buy CEO raises red flag about startling customer behaviorApple users will hate the latest news from Capitol Hill "They aren't opening stores because they want to-they're doing it because they have to," states technology founder and strategist Jared Navarre. "Because the technology they're building can't be sold through a screen. It has to be experienced. It's like trying to describe childbirth to someone who's never felt it-words will never be enough." Meta's decision makes sense, as it looks to cement its reputation not just as a social media company but as a consumer tech producer that makes wearable AI-powered devices. However, it comes at a time when Jonny Ive, the former Apple leader credited with designing the iPod and iPhone, has joined forces with OpenAI. Related: OpenAI teams up with legendary Apple exec Ive's partnership with the maker of ChatGPT is poised to make the consumer tech market even more competitive. And as Reilly Newman, founder of Motif Brands, tells TheStreet, it isn't the only risk Meta is facing. Even so, other experts feel that Meta may benefit from a shift in the industry if it can correctly execute this transition. Felix Hartmann, Managing Partner at Hartmann Capital, predicts that the consumer tech market is entering a "story over storefront" era. "In a world flooded with digital noise, the companies that win will be the ones who can create visceral, in-person magic," he predicts. Related: Billionaire fund manager, skeptical of AI, backs shocking stock The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Mark Zuckerberg and his former employee Palmer Luckey join hands to make gadgets for military
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is partnering with his former employee Palmer Luckey to make combat VR headsets for the military. This is interesting for more reasons than one. Of course, it is notable that Meta is using its AI tech to power wearables for military equipment. 'Meta has spent the last decade building AI and AR to enable the computing platform of the future,' said Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta. 'We're proud to partner with Anduril to help bring these technologies to the American service members that protect our interests at home and abroad.'advertisement'Anduril and Meta are partnering to design, build, and field a range of integrated XR products that provide warfighters with enhanced perception and enable intuitive control of autonomous platforms on the battlefield,' Anduril writes in an announcement post. However, here is what is more interesting: Zuckerberg and Luckey's history. They had a somewhat messy breakup back in 2016. Palmer Luckey, who is the founder of Oculus VR and the designer of Oculus Rift, was fired from Meta nine years ago for donating $10,000 to a pro-Donald Trump group that had run a billboard criticising Hillary Clinton. 'I am glad to be working with Meta once again.' said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril. 'Of all the areas where dual-use technology can make a difference for America, this is the one I am most excited about. My mission has long been to turn warfighters into technomancers, and the products we are building with Meta do just that.'advertisement Luckey's Anduril Industries and Meta will be making rugged helmets, glasses and other wearables for the US military. These wearables will provide a virtual-reality or augmented-reality experience. Anduril and Meta's project together is reportedly being called EagleEye, which will eventually form a full ecosystem of hardware devices, according to TechCrunch. Interestingly, EagleEye was originally the name of a headset concept Palmer Luckey had included in Anduril's early pitch deck. At the time, investors urged him to shift focus away from hardware and concentrate on building software first. 'All of them had worked with me for years via Oculus VR, and when they saw the EagleEye headset in our first Anduril pitch deck draft, they pointed out that it seemed like I was sequencing things irrationally,' Luckey explained in a post on X earlier this year. 'They believed, correctly, that I was too focused on winning a pissing contest over the future of AR/VR, on proving that I was right and the people who fired me were wrong.'Following the announcement of the Meta-Anduril partnership on Thursday, Luckey reflected on the collaboration with another post on X: 'It is pretty cool to have everything at our fingertips for this joint effort – everything I made before Meta acquired Oculus, everything we made together, and everything we did on our own after I was fired.'advertisementA year after Luckey was fired from Meta, he co-founded Anduril Industries in 2017. The company specialises in American defense technology. It specifically makes autonomous systems for the has lately been trying to build a closer relationship with Donald Trump. He has reportedly also been leaning on Trump for favours. Reportedly, just ahead of the ongoing Meta vs FTC trial kicked off, Zuckerberg had requested Trump to step in and help block the monopoly lawsuit. Meta also contributed $1 million to Trump's inauguration and also resolved Trump's $25 million lawsuit.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Meta and Anduril join forces on battlefield tech
Meta and defence tech startup Anduril Industries on Thursday announced a partnership to build mixed reality gear for "warfighters" (soldiers) to control autonomous systems on battlefields. Meta will incorporate augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI), presumably in the likes of glasses, goggles, or visors, with an Anduril data analytics platform called Lattice, the companies said in a joint release. "Meta has spent the last decade building AI and AR to enable the computing platform of the future," Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in the release. "We're proud to partner with Anduril to help bring these technologies to the American servicemembers that protect our interests at home and abroad." Since Trump took back the White House, Zuckerberg has courted the president with frequent visits and notable changes to corporate policies on matters like content moderation, aligning himself politically with the Republican administration. Zuckerberg also bought a $23 million residence in the U.S. capital. The Anduril alliance will have Meta taking part in courting the U.S. military. "I am glad to be working with Meta once again," said Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, who also co-founded virtual reality startup Oculus, bought in 2014 by what was then Facebook. "My mission has long been to turn warfighters into technomancers, and the products we are building with Meta do just that," he said, referring to the idea of magicians who combine magic and technology. Luckey left Facebook in 2017, his departure coming after the social networking giant was hit with a big tab in a lawsuit over Oculus Rift virtual reality technology, and after he was criticized for covertly helping an online "troll" group that promoted memes in favor of Trump during the U.S. election a year earlier. Open support for Trump in Silicon Valley was scarce during that election, and some developers vowed not to create software for Rift virtual reality gear because of Luckey's pro-Trump efforts. Luckey went on to co-found California-based Anduril. Anduril describes its Lattice platform as an AI-powered command and control system that integrates data from thousands of sources to provide real-time battlefield intelligence for decision making. Big tech companies are increasingly waving the U.S. flag in Washington with Trump pushing his America First agenda. Leading this performance of nationalism are Meta, OpenAI and, more predictably, Palantir, the AI defence company founded by Peter Thiel, the conservative tech billionaire who has played a major role in Silicon Valley's rightward shift. Meta has touted AI models like its own as "essential for the US to win the AI race against China and ensure American AI dominance."
