Meta is betting billions on a future without smartphones

This article summarizes an episode of Access’s video series featuring Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta / Photo credit: Shutterstock

Misspending a couple of hundred billion dollars is less of a risk than failing to invest in the next leap in technology. This is the thinking behind the AI strategy of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, as detailed in a recent interview.

His philosophy is driving investments into what he sees as the era after the smartphone. His vision centers on AI-powered glasses controlled by a neural wristband, a new kind of technology he believes is necessary to stay relevant.

A new computing platform beyond the phone

The smartphone pulls our attention away from the world around us. For technology to move forward, it needs to solve this problem by fitting more naturally into our lives.

The device needs a new form
Zuckerberg explains, “my theory is that at a high level, glasses are going to be the next computing platform device. They don’t take you away from the moment, so you can stay present in the moment, unlike with phones. So I think that that’s a big deal.”

More glasses than goggles
Zuckerberg states, “this is not a headset. It’s not a pair of goggles that fully blocks you off from the real world. Their main job is to be something you can wear around, and the tech is supposed to be supplementary to that.”

AI is the key to making smart glasses work

A less intrusive device requires a new way to interact with it. The glasses solve this problem by using artificial intelligence to understand what’s going on and help you without getting in the way.

The hardware is a good fit for AI
Zuckerberg notes, “they’re also the best device for AI because it’s the only device where you can let an AI see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you throughout the day, and then once you get the display, it can just generate a UI in the display for you.”

Merging idgital into the real world
He continues, “they’re really the only form factor that can put holograms in the world to help you seamlessly blend the physical world around you in the digital world.”

Keeping the technology invisible
Zuckerberg states, “an important principle for the glasses is the technology needs to get out of the way. When you are interacting with something, it should show up. If you don’t interact with it, it needs to get out of the way really quickly.”

A wristband for subtle control

Smart glasses need a discreet way to receive commands. The proposed solution is a wristband that interprets nerve signals sent to the hand.

The band’s sensors detect the electrical signals the brain sends to the hand muscles for small gestures, like tapping a finger. An AI model analyzes these signals and translates them into commands for the glasses. The system adapts to the user’s specific signal patterns, allowing for control through minimal movements.

This input method could become its own platform
Zuckerberg speculates, “we invented the neural band to work with the glasses, but I think that the neural band could end up being a platform on its own to interact with all of your electronics and devices.”

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