Meta Acquires AI Wearable Startup Limitless in Push for “Personal Superintelligence”

Tech giant Meta has acquired the AI wearable startup, Limitless, revered for its pendant that seamlessly records conversations. The acquisition marks Meta’s accelerated push into AI-enabled hardware beyond glasses and headsets.

Announced on Friday by CEO Dan Siroker, the acquisition will see the startup’s technology integrated into Meta’s Reality Labs wearables division. Although Siroker did not disclose the financial terms, reports say Limitless had raised over $33 million from investors, like NEA and First Round Capital.

A spokesperson for Meta said that Limitless is excited to join Meta, allowing them to accelerate their work in building AI-enabled wearables.

Limitless will stop selling its $99 AI pendant device, known for recording conversations and generating transcripts. It can also provide summaries.

Existing Limitless customers will receive one year of free support on an “unlimited plan.” However, the company says it’s winding down its desktop Rewind software, which content creators use to record user screen and audio activity.

Experts say it’s a classic acqui-hire move by Meta. The tech giant prioritizes engineering talent and underlying technology over its existing product line.

AI-powered tools for capturing and summarizing conversations have gained traction among productivity-focused users. However, privacy concerns remain significant.

The acquisition allows Meta to compete more aggressively in the AI wearables market. Analysts project this sector to grow to $262 billion by 2033 (with a 27% CAGR).

Currently, Meta’s wearables include Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Limitless’s technology can enable Meta to develop new form factors and features.

The deal follows the acquisition of AI wearable startup Bee by Amazon in July and OpenAI’s plans to develop AI-powered devices. Meta’s acquisition of Limitless will intensify competition in the AI hardware market.

Existing Limitless customers can export or delete their data to address privacy concerns. Users in countries with strict data regulations (like the EU and the UK) welcome such capabilities.