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Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) has introduced new lifelike avatars to the metaverse that are almost indistinguishable from the real-life version of the person they represent.
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According to Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerbergthese avatars can one day be used to talk to deceased loved ones.
“When somebody’s lost a loved one and they’re grieving, there can be ways in which, you know, interacting or reliving certain memories can be helpful, but there’s also probably a point where it can become unhealthy,” Zuckerberg told the podcast. Lex Friedman.
Meta’s CEO told Friedman, who conducted the interview in a virtually meta-universe-like space, that Meta already has experience dealing with death, identity and digital content through Facebook.
“Unfortunately, people who use our services die every day, and their families often want access to their profiles,” Zuckerberg explained. “So, yes, there are some best practices from today’s digital world that I think will continue.”
However, Zuckerberg was cautious on the subject and admitted that he is not an expert on the subject, but he told Friedman that he believes the new avatar capabilities will allow for some new experiences, such as conversations with loved ones who have died.
Meta, which assumed its current name when excitement metaverse was at its peak in 2021, later that year it launched its own division, Reality Labs.
Finally, excitement declined, and most investors wanted the company to spend its capital elsewhere.
Reality Labs posted a $13.72 billion loss in 2022 and has since laid off several employees as the company focuses on making 2023 the “year of efficiency.” Meta stock has reacted positively, up more than 150% year-to-date at last check.
Some of the company’s new developments related to the metaverse are starting to get more attention. The new Quest 3 AR/VR headset starts shipping next week, and the new avatar technology could help expand the device’s uses and bring back excitement around the metaverse.
Photo: szfphy from Pixabay.
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