FOLLOW US

Another round of Meta layoffs is underway. The company has confirmed a new round of staff cuts within its Reality Labs division. It will impact teams focused on developing virtual and augmented reality systems. 

The layoffs specifically target personnel in the Oculus Studios unit, which is responsible for producing technology and content for the Quest VR headset.

Restructuring at Reality Labs Targets Mixed Reality

While Meta did not disclose the exact number of layoffs, the company emphasized that the changes are strategic.

"Some teams within Oculus Studios are undergoing shifts in structure and roles that have impacted team size," a spokesperson told CNBC. "These changes are meant to help Studios work more efficiently on future mixed reality experiences for our growing audience, while still delivering great content for people today."

One of the major consumer-facing products impacted by the layoffs is Supernatural, a virtual reality fitness app that Meta acquired for over $400 million. Meta had previously fended off an antitrust challenge from the Federal Trade Commission to complete the acquisition in 2023.

https://usaherald.com/ai-startup-reco-raises-25m-to-reinvent-saas-security-with-ai-agents/

Supernatural Fitness App Among Products Affected

On the Supernatural Facebook page, the company addressed the changes:

“Today, we're sharing some important updates about organizational changes at our company. These changes are meant to help us work more efficiently on what the future of fitness could be, while still providing experiences that will help all of you continue to achieve your fitness journey.”

They added, “We're deeply saddened to share that these changes have resulted in the loss of some of our incredibly talented team members. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping our journey and yours, and their absence will be deeply felt.”

Meta Layoffs Follow Previous Cuts
This latest round of layoffs follows Meta’s February reduction of 5% of its workforce, which targeted underperforming roles.

The cuts come as Reality Labs posted a significant fourth-quarter loss of nearly $5 billion on just under $1 billion in revenue. Meta is scheduled to release its next earnings report on Wednesday.

Related Links

• The Verge: Meta Layoffs Hit Reality Labs and Supernatural VR
• MSN: Meta Lays Off VR and AR Staff
• Supernatural Facebook Announcement