Over 100 people have left Microsoft for Meta’s metaverse programme, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The report shows that the defection of about 100 employees hit Microsoft’s augmented reality (AR) department, with Meta and its metaverse programme being the new destination to majority of the defecting talent. The mass flight of staff happens as established tech companies are contending for market leadership.
The personnel worked on Microsoft’s HoloLens device, an augmented reality headset that has applications in business. As Microsoft continues to enhance the gadget, it has yet to find its intended commercial role.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the staff were reportedly lured by better pay packages. Meta has one of the metaverse’s most advanced projects. According to recent reports, Apple has examined the metaverse, but for the time being, it wants to target shorter experiences.
Disney, with a patent approval for metaverse amusement parks, has also cemented its standing in the competition. Nvidia and Block, originally known as Square, are two more companies in the race.
As VR/AR wearables become accessible and new experiences are explored, the race in the industry is picking up steam. Offerings from both tech companies and decentralised initiatives are expected in the next years to the excitement of enthusiasts.
Microsoft’s Vortex is a metaverse studio that will be grounded in reality, according to the company. While this has been left to interpretations, it hints at something that will be less centred on the virtual world, in contrast to other metaverse projects.
The company has a number of job openings for the Vortex. According to one of the positions, the goal is to “bring together collaborative science, missions to benefit our planet, and entertainment all while pushing the forefront of technology.”