Meta Scraps Plans for Custom AR Glasses Chips

Partnership with MediaTek Announced

Meta Platforms has abandoned its efforts to develop its own custom chips for its upcoming augmented reality (AR) glasses, according to reports from The Information and Business Insider.

The company says it has partnered with MediaTek, a Taiwanese chipmaker, to create the new silicon for its AR glasses. The exclusive deal means Meta will be the leading customer for MediaTek in this area.

Original Plans Delayed

Meta had previously planned to release its first AR glasses to consumers in 2024, but these plans have now been delayed. According to the reports, the company now aims to launch its glasses in 2026 or later.

The delay is reportedly due to technical challenges and a desire to ensure the glasses are of high quality. Meta has already invested billions of dollars in its AR project and plans to continue investing heavily in the future.

Partnership Details

The new partnership between MediaTek and Meta will see the two companies co-develop custom silicon for AR glasses. This means that MediaTek will help to design and manufacture the chips specific to Meta's requirements.

Meta says that it needs silicon that is optimized for AR applications, which can be more demanding than traditional mobile or computer applications. The company also wants the chips to be power-efficient, as AR glasses are expected to run on batteries.

Next Steps

The partnership between MediaTek and Meta is a significant step in the development of AR technology. It shows that Meta is serious about bringing AR glasses to market and that it is willing to invest heavily in the project.

The next few years will be crucial for the development of AR technology. Companies like Meta and Apple are investing heavily in the sector, and they are likely to face significant competition from other tech giants.