Mark Zuckerberg on the Quest Pro, future of the metaverse, and more
Oct 11, 2022
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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and the architect behind social media's evolution, dives into the future of technology and the metaverse. He discusses the intriguing features of the Quest Pro mixed reality headset and its market positioning against competitors. Zuckerberg expresses his resolve in building the metaverse despite skepticism, highlights privacy concerns with TikTok, and reflects on the challenges of social media algorithms and user engagement. His thoughts on innovation and the competitive landscape reveal a forward-looking vision for tech and social interaction.
The Meta Quest Pro merges real-world and virtual experiences with pass-through video and advanced tracking features to revolutionize user interactions.
Meta's strategic partnership with Microsoft aims to challenge Apple in the headset market by integrating Teams, Azure, Windows, and security tools for enhanced productivity in VR environments.
Mark Zuckerberg envisions a metaverse where individuals can interact in immersive social environments, emphasizing the importance of developing social software for personal engagement.
Deep dives
Introduction of New Quest Pro VR Headset and Metaverse Products
Mark Zuckerberg discusses the newly unveiled high-end mixed reality headset, the Quest Pro, at Meta Connect. This headset merges real-world and virtual experiences by blending pass-through video technology. The addition of face and eye tracking enhances avatar realism, aimed at revolutionizing user interactions.
Exclusive Microsoft Partnership and Strategic Alliance
The strategic partnership with Microsoft, announced at Connect, focuses on a Microsoft-exclusive enterprise muscle for the Metaverse products. Collaboration includes integrating Teams, Azure, Windows, and security tools to enhance productivity and user experience in VR and mixed reality environments. This alliance aims to challenge Apple in the headset market and advance a shared vision for the future of computing.
Focus on Price, Target Audience, and Ecosystem Philosophy
Despite the higher pricing of the Quest Pro at $1499 compared to Quest 2 at $400, Zuckerberg reveals the target audience as high-end professionals looking for superior VR experiences and workstation capabilities. The hardware strategy emphasizes building a robust ecosystem first, prioritizing software/services profitability over immediate hardware margins. The discussion extends to fostering an open ecosystem in the next-gen computing landscape, akin to Android's collaborative approach rather than Apple's closed ecosystem model, to drive innovation and industry growth.
The Future of Social Interaction through Metaverse Technology
The podcast discusses Mark Zuckerberg's belief in the metaverse and the potential for immersive social environments where individuals can interact as if they are physically present together. Zuckerberg's long-standing interest in technology and human connections has driven Facebook's focus on developing social software. The goal is to create a virtual space that enables people to feel like they are personally engaging with others, emphasizing the ultimate expression of social technology.
Evolution of Social Media Platforms to Enhance User Engagement
The episode explores the transformation of social media platforms, highlighting the shift towards enhancing user interactions and the professionalization of content creation. The discussion delves into the importance of the creator economy in social media, where creators aim to connect with their audience, express values, and generate sustainable income. The integration of a robust creator ecosystem plays a pivotal role in driving engagement and content quality, complementing the development of sophisticated algorithms like the Discovery Engine.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg joined The Verge’s deputy editor Alex Heath for an in-depth conversation about the company’s new high-end, mixed reality headset, the $1,499 Quest Pro, and why he isn’t backing down from building the metaverse. Zuckerberg and Heath also talked about the future of social media, why he enjoys “being doubted,” and the growing concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership.