Meta, the tech giant behind popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has laid off over 1,000 employees across its Virtual Reality (VR) and metaverse efforts. The move comes after years of significant financial losses on its metaverse products.
One of the notable casualties is Supernatural, a VR fitness platform that Meta acquired in 2022. Users of the service have expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision to shut down Supernatural's content updates, citing the loss of community and support from the coaches who guided them through their workouts.
Supernatural was launched as an innovative way for users to exercise in virtual reality, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when gyms were closed. Users praised the service for its immersive experience, diverse lessons, and supportive community. However, with Meta's acquisition, many users had hoped that the platform would continue to receive updates and support.
The shutdown of Supernatural has left a significant impact on its user base, with some expressing regret over canceling their subscriptions. Others, like Stefanie Wong, are choosing to stick it out until the service is officially discontinued, citing their attachment to the community and coaches.
As users navigate this uncertain period, there are concerns about how Supernatural will continue to license music from big-name bands and what the future holds for its library of over 3,000 lessons. With other VR workout experiences like FitXR and Beat Saber available, some question whether Supernatural can maintain its unique offerings in a crowded market.
The move highlights Meta's significant financial struggles with its metaverse efforts, which have hemorrhaged billions of dollars. The company has been trying to build a seamless virtual world where users can interact, work out, socialize, and play games. However, the failure of these endeavors raises questions about the sustainability of such ambitious projects.
As Meta continues to navigate its metaverse ambitions, it remains to be seen how Supernatural's user base will evolve. Will they find alternative VR workout experiences that meet their needs, or will they hold on to the community and coaches that have made Supernatural a beloved platform? The future of Supernatural hangs in the balance as users wait for Meta's next move.
One of the notable casualties is Supernatural, a VR fitness platform that Meta acquired in 2022. Users of the service have expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision to shut down Supernatural's content updates, citing the loss of community and support from the coaches who guided them through their workouts.
Supernatural was launched as an innovative way for users to exercise in virtual reality, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when gyms were closed. Users praised the service for its immersive experience, diverse lessons, and supportive community. However, with Meta's acquisition, many users had hoped that the platform would continue to receive updates and support.
The shutdown of Supernatural has left a significant impact on its user base, with some expressing regret over canceling their subscriptions. Others, like Stefanie Wong, are choosing to stick it out until the service is officially discontinued, citing their attachment to the community and coaches.
As users navigate this uncertain period, there are concerns about how Supernatural will continue to license music from big-name bands and what the future holds for its library of over 3,000 lessons. With other VR workout experiences like FitXR and Beat Saber available, some question whether Supernatural can maintain its unique offerings in a crowded market.
The move highlights Meta's significant financial struggles with its metaverse efforts, which have hemorrhaged billions of dollars. The company has been trying to build a seamless virtual world where users can interact, work out, socialize, and play games. However, the failure of these endeavors raises questions about the sustainability of such ambitious projects.
As Meta continues to navigate its metaverse ambitions, it remains to be seen how Supernatural's user base will evolve. Will they find alternative VR workout experiences that meet their needs, or will they hold on to the community and coaches that have made Supernatural a beloved platform? The future of Supernatural hangs in the balance as users wait for Meta's next move.
, i mean sure meta had some financial struggles but you'd think they could've found a way to make it work instead of just getting rid of it altogether... the user base is loyal and has been supportive for years, it's a shame more people aren't sticking around to see what the future holds 
, Stefanie Wong is being pretty cool about it by staying on until the end tho 
, hope meta can come up with something new that'll keep users engaged in the future 
. it felt like having my own personal trainer who also gave me a sense of community. now i'm not sure where to find something similar 
. fitxr and beat saber are cool, but they don't feel the same as having coaches and lessons from people who care 
. meta should have seen this coming tho... i mean, it's been losing billions on metaverse efforts for years 
. still hope that the community stays strong and somehow finds a way to keep going 
- it was one of those rare VR apps that actually worked, you know? The community was super active and supportive 
. Now it's all just a big uncertain mess 
... Meta needs to think twice about these massive investments they're making into the metaverse 
... how are they gonna recoup their losses? 
And what about Supernatural's music library? 
It's not like FitXR or Beat Saber can replace that kinda personal touch 
.
. FITXR AND BEAT SABER WILL NEVER REPLACE THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE SUPERNATURAL OFFERED, IN MY OPINION 
. think meta needs to rethink its priorities, focus on what works instead of chasing some utopian metaverse dream 
.
It was such an amazing VR fitness platform, and it's heartbreaking that it's losing its community and coaches 
. I've had friends who were super into it too, and they're all really disappointed 
. But on the bright side, maybe Supernatural's user base will find other awesome VR workout experiences that'll meet their needs 
. Fingers crossed! 
supernatural was more than just a game or app, it had a community that people actually cared about. now they're gonna lose all those users and their subs? 
It's like they tried to force a new paradigm without understanding the true demand for such services. The VR fitness platform was a great example of innovative thinking, but even that couldn't save it from the financial squeeze. 
. I wonder if they'll find a way to revive some of their lost momentum or if this marks a turning point in the company's trajectory 
.
. I mean, who doesn't love working out with their favorite VR fitness buddies 
But hey, failure can be a learning experience, right? Maybe they'll come back stronger with new ideas 
. That's kinda what this feels like to me...
. Now they're just left wondering what happens to all that music licensing 
.
... will they stick with Supernatural until it's officially done, or are they gonna move on? I've heard some users are really attached to the coaches and community, so that might be a hard transition 
. Meta's financial struggles with their metaverse efforts are no secret, but shutting down Supernatural just feels like a huge step back 
... what do you guys think will happen next?