Why is Meta shutting down the Supernatural VR app?

Meta is discontinuing Supernatural to reallocate resources to its smart Ray-Ban glasses and other AI initiatives.

What does Lina Khan say about Meta shutting down Supernatural?

Lina Khan views the closure as an example of a dominant platform stifling competition and eliminating user choice.

Will Supernatural's content remain available?

Yes, Supernatural's existing content will remain accessible for an unspecified period, though no new content will be added.

Home / Technology / Meta Axes Popular VR App, Prioritizing Ray-Ban Glasses

Meta Axes Popular VR App, Prioritizing Ray-Ban Glasses

16 Jan

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Summary

Meta is shutting down its VR fitness app Supernatural.
The move is to reallocate resources to smart Ray-Ban glasses.
Antitrust advocates see this as a dominant platform stifling competition.

Meta Axes Popular VR App, Prioritizing Ray-Ban Glasses

Meta Platforms Inc. is winding down its virtual reality fitness app, Supernatural, a decision impacting numerous users who subscribed to the $9.99-a-month service. The app's content will remain available indefinitely, but no new content will be added. This move allows Meta to divert resources towards its smart Ray-Ban glasses, with production potentially doubling this year.

The closure of Supernatural comes less than three years after Meta acquired Within, the app's developer. This acquisition faced scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission due to concerns about anti-competitive practices. Lina Khan, a former FTC chair, views this shutdown as validation of antitrust concerns, stating it exemplifies how dominant platforms can eliminate choice by acquiring competitors and then abandoning markets.

Supernatural was praised for its innovative blend of fitness and gaming, offering users an engaging and effective workout. Its demise highlights Meta's strategic pivot towards AI-driven products, leaving many users disappointed and concerned about the platform's future content strategy and its impact on user choice.