In a thought-provoking conversation during Theo Von's recent podcast, Meta Platforms (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg provided a vivid glimpse into a future dominated by augmented reality (AR) technology. Highlighting the dramatic shift toward holographic interactions, Zuckerberg emphasized that many of the physical objects we currently rely on would soon become obsolete, replaced by immersive digital alternatives.
The podcast featured a striking example described by Von, who recounted an experience playing ping pong using Meta’s new AR glasses. Notably, the ping pong table, paddles, and even the net weren't physically present — they were holograms projected through the glasses. Von humorously noted, "It wasn't real, but it was like 3D ping pong. Someone could ride their bike through our game like it wasn’t there."
Zuckerberg responded, projecting that such AR experiences could be widely available in just four years or less. He underscored the transformative potential of AR glasses, suggesting they could largely replace smartphones. Considering 1 to 2 billion people already wear glasses, he sees AR glasses as a natural, non-disruptive progression in everyday technology use, accessible to individuals at varying technological sophistication levels.
"How many of the things that we physically have aren't going to need to be there in the future?" Zuckerberg asked rhetorically. He elaborated further, "Pretty much every screen doesn’t need to be there. It'll just be a hologram. Any media, any book that you're playing, any board game, cards, they can all be holographic."
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This profound vision represents not only a dramatic shift in consumer technology but also a glimpse into the future. Reduced reliance on physical products could lead to significant sustainability gains, minimizing environmental impact from manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. On the flip side, it also raises questions about potential disruptions to traditional industries, particularly manufacturing, retail, and entertainment sectors that currently depend on tangible goods.
For society, widespread adoption of AR glasses and holographic technology could revolutionize communication, education, and entertainment, making virtual experiences increasingly indistinguishable from real-world interactions. However, this potential shift also invites critical conversations around privacy, data security, and digital equity, considering the profound increase in digital presence and the extensive data needed to drive seamless holographic experiences.
Meta Stock Reaction
Investors have had mixed reactions to Meta’s bold bet on virtual and augmented reality. From September 2021 until November 2022, Meta’s stock plummeted a massive 76%, driven lower in part by concerns regarding their spending on new technologies associated with their Reality Labs division. Despite over $60 billion spent on the venture, the payoff has been minimal, and there’s still a lot of work to be done. But if Zuckerberg’s vision is right, billions of people could be using his tech in a few years. This could replace long-entrenched physical goods industries with holograms, ultimately creating a new trillion-dollar virtual economy.
Ultimately, Zuckerberg's conversation with Von isn't merely about technological innovation—it's a roadmap for a transformed human experience, profoundly redefining how society interacts with digital and physical worlds. Investors and consumers alike will closely watch Meta’s next moves as it pushes forward into this ambitious holographic future.
