Based on a latest report by Bloomberg, staff at Meta who’re engaged on growing the metaverse aren’t keen about utilizing the corporate’s VR headsets. The headsets have been described as “uncomfortable” and “glitchy” by a number of staff who spoke anonymously.
Challenges in VR Adoption at Meta
Meta’s imaginative and prescient revolves round making a metaverse the place folks can use VR headsets to socialize and work in a digital world. Nonetheless, the report means that many staff throughout completely different groups, together with the VR part, haven’t been actively utilizing the headsets for his or her work. Whereas Meta gives headsets to staff collaborating in inside testing applications, the extent of adoption amongst staff has been restricted.
Curiously, even Meta’s President of International Affairs, Nick Clegg, reportedly had his crew “try” VR conferences briefly however finally deserted the apply because of the discomfort and glitches skilled by the employees. Moreover, in response to one worker, these concerned in gross sales pitches to purchasers like Walmart and Accenture aren’t using the headsets of their day-to-day work.
Meta’s Response
Meta, which not too long ago unveiled its newest Meta Quest headset, has not but commented on the inner utilization numbers of the headsets. Nonetheless, with Meta’s plans to require most staff to work in individual for at the least three days per week beginning in September, the adoption of VR headsets could face additional challenges.
The hesitancy amongst staff to embrace VR headsets may be attributed to numerous elements. Discomfort and potential emotions of embarrassment have been cited, with the looks of legless cartoon avatars deemed “weird and unprofessional.” VR headsets are additionally identified to trigger discomfort and even nausea, prompting Meta’s suggestion of taking common breaks each half-hour.
These findings come within the wake of Meta’s Actuality Labs VR and AR division reporting a considerable working lack of $13.7 billion in 2022, surpassing the $10.2 billion loss recorded within the earlier yr.
Future Outlook
In the meantime, as Meta faces challenges in selling VR expertise inside its group, Apple is rumored to be launching its personal VR headset and is reportedly planning to difficulty a number of utilization warnings. People with well being circumstances similar to interior ear infections, ADHD/ADD, and anxiousness could also be suggested to train warning when utilizing VR headsets.
The reluctance amongst Meta staff to make use of VR headsets for metaverse work raises questions in regards to the future prospects of VR adoption inside the firm. As Meta continues to navigate the challenges related to VR expertise, it stays to be seen how the corporate will handle worker considerations and propel its imaginative and prescient for the metaverse ahead.
