Meta acquires AI-wearables startup Limitless

By Echo Wang

Dec 5 (Reuters) – Meta has acquired AI-wearables startup Limitless, maker of a pendant-style device that records and transcribes ​real-world conversations, as the social media giant doubles down on ‌efforts to build AI-enabled consumer hardware.

“Meta recently announced a new vision to bring personal ‌superintelligence to everyone and a key part of that vision is building incredible AI-enabled wearables. We share this vision and we’ll be joining Meta to help bring our shared vision to life,” Limitless co-founder and ⁠CEO Dan Siroker said ‌in a blog post on Friday.

Limitless did not disclose financial details of the deal.

Earlier this week, Meta hired ‍longtime Apple design executive Alan Dye, a move widely seen as sharpening its focus on next-generation devices. Meta plans to use Limitless’ technical capabilities as part of ​its development of next-generation AI-enabled wearables.

Meta currently has partnerships with ‌EssilorLuxottica brands Ray-Ban and Oakley to make AI-powered smart glasses.

“We’re excited that Limitless will be joining Meta to help accelerate our work to build AI-enabled wearables,” a Meta spokesperson told Reuters.

Limitless, formerly known as Rewind, makes a wearable “pendant” that clips to clothing or a lanyard. The device ⁠records conversations, and can generate transcripts ​and produce searchable summaries through a companion ​app. It is part of a growing category of AI assistants designed to augment memory and everyday productivity.

Meta and ‍Limitless will continue ⁠supporting existing users, but the company will stop selling devices to new customers, Limitless said. Existing users will be asked to ⁠accept revised privacy terms to maintain service.

Limitless has raised more than $33 million from investors ‌including Sam Altman and A16z.

(Reporting by Echo Wang in ‌New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)