Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of the Facebook parent company, said its Quest VR devices pose “novel, multi-dimensional challenges in spatial computing, cost and form factor” unlike with mobile phone technology. Meta will need Qualcomm’s specialized technologies to push VR “to its limits” in future products, he said. The deal renews a longstanding relationship of over seven years. (The Logic)

Talking point: Facebook struggled to make the leap to selling phones in the Web 2.0 era. With semiconductors already in high demand amid a shortage, the multi-year Qualcomm deal means Meta’s not taking any chances with another hardware flop as it pivots toward the metaverse. Qualcomm worked with Meta on its Quest 2, and uses software and its semiconductors, Snapdragon processors, to focus on clear audio, optimize headsets’ battery life and use 5G to quickly process images from the cloud. That last function is key to improving the company’s metaverse product, Horizon Worlds. Zuckerberg’s avatar was roasted earlier this month for looking “soulless,” dead-eyed and “cringe,” and “worse than a 2008 Wii game.”