Meta Platforms Inc. (META) is basking in the glow of recent acclaim for its AI advancements, but CEO Mark Zuckerberg is keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the long game. He believes that while external perceptions of a company can fluctuate, staying focused on innovation and delivering results over time is what truly matters.
On Threads, a user recently observed that the positive reception of Meta’s Orion showcase and its open-source AI developments might be influenced more by the company’s market performance than the actual product itself. The user suggested that the praise stems from Meta’s improved financial performance and market cap since November 2022, which currently stands at $1.43 trillion, making it the seventh most valuable company globally.
Zuckerberg acknowledged this perspective with a dose of wisdom, saying, “You’re never as good as they say when you’re up, and you’re never as bad as they say when you’re down.” He added, “You just have to stay focused and keep shipping over the long term.” This pragmatic approach underscores Zuckerberg’s understanding that external perception can be fickle, and long-term focus is crucial for sustainable success.
Meta’s journey has been marked by both highs and lows. In 2022, the company faced criticism for its heavy investments in the metaverse and AR technologies, particularly amidst declining user engagement on its core social media platforms. Skepticism surrounded the viability of these initiatives and the company’s overall strategic direction.
However, the recent unveiling of Orion and other advancements in AI capabilities have shifted public perception. At Meta Connect earlier this week, the company presented new AI features, including the Quest 3S, Llama 3.2, and holographic Orion glasses. Zuckerberg expressed optimism about the future of computing and human connection, and the conference was followed by multiple analysts re-rating Meta, highlighting the company’s AI and VR advances. Some analysts even predict that Meta’s growth could propel it toward an Apple-like valuation.
Meta’s Orion glasses are particularly noteworthy, considered by some analysts to be a potential game-changer that could become the next primary consumer computing platform. This vision of the future aligns with Zuckerberg’s advocacy for open-source AI, which he believes is crucial for the future of technology development. His passionate belief in open-source AI was evident in a conversation with Nvidia Corporation CEO Jensen Huang earlier this year, where Zuckerberg expressed his strong feelings about the topic.
As Meta continues to innovate and push the boundaries of technology, Zuckerberg’s emphasis on long-term focus and a commitment to open-source AI demonstrates a clear vision for the future of the company. Whether it’s the metaverse, AR, or AI, Meta is determined to shape the future of technology, one innovation at a time.
