Meta will monetize its metaverse thanks to the American army and the creator of the Oculus Rift

Reality Labs, Meta's division dedicated to developing metaverse technologies, is racking up losses. It has accumulated more than $58 billion in losses since its inception. The resounding failure of the metaverse significantly impacted the division's profits, so much so that Meta was forced to restructure Reality Labs and lay off hundreds of employees. The drop in sales of virtual reality headsets also contributed to the financial collapse of the division, on which Mark Zuckerberg had placed a lot of hope.

Meta Partners with Palmer Luckey's Startup Anduril

It seems that Meta has finally found another way to return a profit on its metaverse investments. The Menlo Park group has just entered into a partnership with Anduril, an American military technology company. Founded by Palmer Luckey, the creator of the Oculus Rift, the firm develops defense systems based on artificial intelligence, including autonomous drones and command software for the army. As a reminder, the Oculus Rift startup was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $2 billion. The company served as the foundation for the creation of Reality Labs, alongside other companies acquired by Mark Zuckerberg's empire. Palmer Luckey, who left Facebook in 2017, says he is "happy to be working with Meta again."

Simulators for the US Army and Police

As part of the partnership, Meta and Anduril will develop immersive reality software to train soldiers and police officers. This is the first time Meta will develop products for the military. The technologies developed by the two partners will be sold to the US Army, US police forces, and allied countries.

Products under development include EagleEye, immersive devices designed to prepare soldiers for "decision-making in combat scenarios."Meta and Anduril are working on headsets, smart glasses, and other accessories designed to enhance the wearer's sensory perception. The devices will benefit from Meta's artificial intelligence, Llama. According to Palmer Luckey, "very good virtual reality simulators" could prevent "most training deaths".

Source: Anduril