How Meta decides what hardware to launch next

Meta’s hardware development process: A strategic approach to innovation: Meta’s Reality Labs division employs a structured, multi-phase process for developing new hardware products, balancing creativity with practicality.

• Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth revealed insights into the company’s hardware development strategy during an interview with Alex Heath, shedding light on how Meta decides which concepts to pursue.
• The process begins with a “pre-discovery team” that focuses on prototyping innovative and potentially radical ideas, creating initial “proof of experience” models.
• Following executive review, a select few concepts advance to the “discovery” phase, where dedicated teams explore industrial design, cost factors, and other practical considerations.

Exploring the future of wearable technology: Meta’s hardware division is actively investigating a diverse range of potential products, from augmented reality glasses to AI-enabled wearables.

• Recent reports have suggested Meta is working on various new devices, including camera earbuds and mixed reality goggles, indicating the company’s continued interest in expanding its hardware portfolio.
• The development of Meta’s first AR glasses, Orion, represents a significant step in the company’s push into wearable technology.
• Bosworth’s statement that “If there’s a concept that you could imagine, we either have had or do have somebody building a thing around it” underscores Meta’s commitment to exploring a wide range of hardware possibilities.

Balancing innovation and feasibility: Meta’s approach to hardware development reflects a careful balance between encouraging creative, forward-thinking ideas and ensuring practical viability.

• The “pre-discovery team” is given the freedom to prototype “the craziest stuff,” fostering an environment of innovation and experimentation.
• The subsequent “discovery” phase introduces a more rigorous evaluation process, considering factors such as design, cost, and potential market fit.
• This two-step approach allows Meta to cast a wide net for ideas while also applying a filter to identify the most promising and feasible concepts for further development.

Meta’s strategic focus on wearable technology: The company’s investment in hardware development, particularly in AR and wearable devices, signals its long-term vision for the future of computing and social interaction.

• Meta’s pursuit of AR glasses and other wearable technologies aligns with its broader strategy to shape the development of the metaverse and next-generation computing platforms.
• The company’s willingness to explore various form factors, from glasses to earbuds, suggests a recognition of the diverse ways in which wearable technology might integrate into users’ lives.
• By developing its own hardware, Meta aims to have greater control over the user experience and ecosystem for its software and services.

Challenges and considerations: While Meta’s hardware development process appears robust, the company faces significant challenges in bringing new wearable technologies to market.

• Developing consumer-ready AR glasses and other advanced wearables involves overcoming substantial technical hurdles, including miniaturization, battery life, and user interface design.
• Meta must also navigate privacy concerns and potential public skepticism, particularly given its history with data handling and social media controversies.
• The company’s success in hardware will depend not only on technological innovation but also on creating compelling use cases that resonate with consumers.

Looking ahead: The future of Meta’s hardware ambitions: Meta’s systematic approach to hardware development positions the company to play a significant role in shaping the future of wearable technology and augmented reality.

• The company’s willingness to explore a wide range of concepts, combined with its structured development process, increases the likelihood of breakthrough innovations.
• As Meta continues to invest in hardware development, we can expect to see a diverse array of products emerging from Reality Labs in the coming years, potentially reshaping how we interact with technology and each other.
• The success of these efforts could have far-reaching implications for Meta’s business model and its position in the tech industry, potentially transforming the company from a social media giant to a leader in next-generation computing platforms.