Meta Platforms, Inc. recently announced another round of layoffs—this time, in its Reality Labs division. This decision may have a significant effect on the developing virtual reality workout app, Supernatural. Cuts bruised and battered nearly every team. In a Thursday bombshell, layoffs crushed as many as 100 positions. We see this as a step towards improving the efficiency of creating mixed reality experiences.
Supernatural, developed by Within—currently a subsidiary of Meta acquired in 2023—gives users a fun, social platform to enjoy virtual reality workouts. The app includes sound and music exercises for all ages and skill levels. That’s the beauty of this platform—any user can jump in and connect with the material, no matter their level of fitness or experience. Going beyond the barriers Each workout is designed with three different levels of difficulty, so users can customize their fitness journey based on their skill level.
As part of Meta’s commitment to enhancing its virtual and augmented reality projects, the Reality Labs division focuses on developing engaging content like Supernatural. The recent layoffs, including many from its Seattle office, have left some worried about the app’s future direction and its related, parallel projects.
Meta commented on the restructuring, stating, “Some teams within Oculus Studios are undergoing shifts in structure and roles that have impacted team size.” This announcement is a testament to the transformation taking place within the division as it seeks to become more agile and responsive to the fast-changing tech landscape.
The company has been equally committed to delivering the best possible workout content through Supernatural. At the same time, they’re advocating for radical new mixed reality experiences. Meta emphasized, “These changes are meant to help Studios work more efficiently on future mixed reality experiences for our growing audience, while still delivering great content for people today.”
Supernatural remains central to Meta’s strategy, even today. It remains a leader in captivating consumers with dynamic and transformative fitness journeys, despite the recent wave of layoffs and company reorganization. The app has recently had a major surge of interest from the fitness community, interested in interactive new ways to supercharge their workouts and physical activity.
Amanda is a senior culture writer at TechCrunch. She writes about the intersection of technology and culture and she has witnessed the growing popularity of apps like Supernatural that are reinventing age-old exercises. The beauty of a woman boxing in virtual reality encapsulates what an exciting fitness adventure looks like. It portrays the fun, thrilling ride that the app provides to its users.
Leave a Reply