Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, who was one of the company’s first 15 engineers, published a memo earlier this year forecasting that 2025 could be the year of greatness for Reality Labs, the company’s augmented and virtual reality unit.

He believes that 2025 will be a pivotal year for Meta’s augmented and virtual reality.

Alternatively, it would be the year in which the metaverse is remembered as a “legendary misadventure.”

At present, it seems that Boz is inclined toward its potential for grandeur. However, the market will ultimately determine the outcome.

During a Bloomberg Technology interview on Thursday, Boz stated, “We will evaluate the outcome at the conclusion of the decade; however, this year appears to be the most critical.”

Boz observed that Meta’s Ray Ban AI spectacles were a groundbreaking innovation that captivated both consumers and competitors.

Meta has sold over 2 million pairs since their October 2023 début as of February. Even prior to the implementation of AI capabilities by Meta last autumn, they sold more than conventional Ray Bans.

In the meantime, Google announced partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker last month to develop smart eyewear that are powered by Android XR.

It is also being reported that Apple is making a concerted effort to introduce smart spectacles in 2026.
Boz stated, “Suddenly, we transition from operating in the shadows to being fully engaged in the marketplace with a product that is highly appealing to consumers and, consequently, competitors.”

“Our progress this year is of disproportionate value to any year before or after it closes, as the clock has begun to tick on the onset of competition.”

However, the industry’s adoption of Meta’s AR and VR products is the sole factor that would motivate the industry to standardize the technology, as competition among other incumbents is of no consequence.

Boz stated, “The market is actually a trailing indicator, particularly in the context of hardware.” “Therefore, you seek out early indicators.”

He stated that this was a lesson he acquired from Sheryl Sandberg, the former chief operating officer of Meta.

Boz stated, “Sheryl would frequently discuss the fact that the majority of organizations do not fail due to a competitor’s superiority.”

“The majority of organizations fail due to inadequate execution of their own strategies.”

Therefore, my objective with the team is to ensure that we are executing to our standards, rather than focusing on the competitive landscape.

The Meta CTO stated that the company is on course to achieve “a series of ambitious plans for the year.”

By the conclusion of the year, we will determine whether or not we have successfully implemented our strategy, stated Boz. “Whether that was sufficient will be determined in five years.”