Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, is setting the stage for 2025 as a critical year for Reality Labs, the company’s augmented and virtual reality division. In an internal memo and during interviews, Bosworth — a long-time member of Meta’s early team — outlined a future that could either mark a significant breakthrough or signal a setback in the metaverse’s progress.
During a recent Bloomberg Technology interview, Bosworth conveyed an upbeat yet measured tone. He explained that the market will ultimately decide Meta’s fate, remarking, “We’ll judge at the end of the decade, but this does feel like the pivotal year.”
Meta’s venture into AI-enhanced eyewear, including the much-discussed Ray-Ban AI glasses, has already turned heads. With over 2 million units sold since their October 2023 launch, these glasses have outperformed traditional models even before the AI features were spotlighted. If you’ve ever been fascinated by how tech products can shift consumer trends overnight, this is a case in point.
The competition in smart eyewear is getting intense. For example, Google has teamed up with brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to develop Android XR-based glasses, while Apple is reportedly set to introduce its own smart glasses by 2026. These developments hint at a busy few years ahead for consumer tech.
Bosworth also touched on Meta’s rapid journey from obscurity to prominence. He pointed out that the jump from working behind the scenes to launching a product that resonates with consumers — and catches competitors’ eyes — is a remarkable shift. However, he underscored that market acceptance is essential for Meta’s AR and VR offerings to become industry benchmarks.
Drawing on advice from former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg, he noted, “Most companies fail not because a competitor beat them, but because they didn’t execute their own plan correctly.” This insight is a thoughtful reminder for anyone in the tech industry that success depends on sharp execution as much as on innovative ideas.
Looking ahead, Meta is focused on the practical steps needed to bring its ambitious plans to life. As Bosworth put it, “What we’ll know by the end of the year is whether we executed on our plan or not. What we’ll know in five years’ time is whether that was enough.” For those keeping an eye on Meta’s progress, 2025 promises to be a year that tests the company’s vision in a rapidly evolving landscape.
