Meta (née Facebook) is in talks with Magic Leap for a multiyear agreement to support its metaverse ambitions. Meta is exploring intellectual property licensing and contract manufacturing collaboration with Magic Leap for mainstream AR products, the Financial Times reports. - Meta is also under pressure to reduce its reliance on China for hardware manufacturing, which aligns with its interest in collaborating with Magic Leap.
- Magic Leap's expertise lies in producing custom components such as high-tech lenses and software for AR technology.
- Meta's interest in AR/VR continues as Apple unveils its "mixed reality" device.
- The partnership is not expected to result in a joint Meta-Magic Leap headset.
- Meta's investment in the metaverse project has faced investor frustration due to the long-term nature of generating profits.
- Magic Leap became known for acquiring $2B in investment to manufacture ultra-expensive AR goggles.
- According to a leaked roadmap from Meta's Reality Labs division, the company plans to release "smart glasses" in 2025 and fully-functional AR glasses by 2027.
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