Meta has acquired artificial intelligence wearable startup Limitless, signaling CEO Mark Zuckerberg's broader bet on AI hardware beyond smart glasses.
On December 5, the deal was reported as Meta's latest move to accelerate its vision of building "personal super intelligence." The company announced this week it would shift some metaverse resources toward AI wearable development.
Limitless, backed by venture firm Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, produces an AI device worn as a pendant or clipped to clothing. Formerly known as Rewind, the startup has raised over $33 million from investors, with PitchBook data showing its latest public valuation at $367 million in 2023.
Zuckerberg emphasized wearables' importance for Meta's "personal super intelligence" development this week. On Wednesday, he announced a new design studio within Reality Labs and recruited Apple's senior design lead Alan Dye to head the team. On Thursday, Meta revealed plans to redirect some metaverse team resources to AI wearables like smart glasses, boosting its stock nearly 3.5%.
The acquisition enters Meta into an emerging but increasingly crowded market facing privacy concerns. Always-on listening devices have drawn regulatory and consumer skepticism, with multiple products facing setbacks due to technical failures or privacy issues.
From Smart Glasses to Pendants Meta's previous wearable efforts focused mainly on smart glasses. Zuckerberg suggested smart glasses might replace smartphones as primary devices for AI tools like translation or chatbots. This acquisition indicates exploration of alternative device forms.
Discussing the new design studio, Zuckerberg stated: "We're entering a new era where AI glasses and other devices will transform how we connect with technology and each other."
Limitless said in a Friday statement: "Meta recently announced its vision to bring personal super intelligence to everyone, with amazing AI wearables being key. We share this vision and will join Meta to help realize our common goals."
Meta didn't disclose financial terms, stating: "We're excited for Limitless to join Meta and accelerate our AI wearable development."
Entering a Competitive, Controversial AI Device Market Meta is entering a growing but competitive AI device space. Beyond smart glasses, multiple tech firms and startups are experimenting with various AI hardware forms.
OpenAI collaborates with former Apple designer Jony Ive on a palm-sized, screenless device responding to audio/visual cues. Amazon acquired AI bracelet startup Bee this summer.
Limitless' pendant records and transcribes conversations in real-time, with searchable data via its app. The startup markets it as using AI to "overcome brain limitations in focus and memory."
Existing Pendant customers will receive support for at least one year, but new sales have stopped. Notably, always-on listening devices face privacy debates. Silicon Valley startup Friend's pendant for AI chatbot interaction drew criticism for being "creepy" with a "snarky" personality.
Humane's AI pin, backed by OpenAI's Altman, was recently abandoned due to widespread malfunctions, highlighting the industry's technical and adoption challenges.
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