Meta Platforms Inc (formerly Facebook Inc) is responsible for developing and maintaining a range of influential apps that have significantly shaped the social media landscape and virtual reality experiences. Let’s dive into the diverse array of apps that Meta has brought to the digital forefront.
Major Products Made by Meta
Meta’s suite of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Threads, and Meta Quest, demonstrates the company’s commitment to connecting people in various digital formats, from traditional social media to innovative VR and AR experiences. Each app serves a unique purpose, catering to different aspects of social interaction and digital communication, thereby making Meta a prominent player in the global technology landscape​​​​​​.
| Product | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| A social networking platform that allows users to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. | Social Networking | |
| A photo and video sharing platform that allows users to share their lives with others. | Photo Sharing | |
| A messaging platform that allows users to send and receive text messages, voice messages, and video calls. | Messaging | |
| Messenger | A messaging platform that allows users to send and receive text messages, voice messages, video calls, and other media. | Messaging |
| Oculus | A virtual reality headset that allows users to experience VR games, apps, and experiences. | Virtual Reality |
| Meta Quest | A virtual reality headset that allows users to experience VR games, apps, and experiences. | Virtual Reality |
| Meta Portal | A smart display that allows users to video call friends and family, watch videos, and listen to music. | Smart Display |
| Ray-Ban Stories | Smart glasses that allow users to take photos and videos, listen to music, and make calls. | Smart Glasses |
| Horizon Worlds | A social VR platform that allows users to create, share, and explore virtual worlds with others. | Social VR |
| Workplace | A collaboration platform that allows businesses to connect and work together. | Collaboration |
| Meta Ads Manager | A platform that allows businesses to run ads on Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta properties. | Advertising |
| Meta Business Suite | A suite of tools that helps businesses manage their Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp accounts. | Business Management |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all Meta products. Meta is constantly developing new products and services.
Social Media and Communication Apps
- Origin: Launched in 2004, Facebook revolutionized how people connect online.
- Functionality: Allows users to create profiles, share photos, videos, send messages, and stay connected with friends, family, and communities.
- About: A photo and video-sharing social networking service.
- Features: Offers features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV for creating and sharing visual content.
- Nature: A freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP (VoIP) service.
- Capabilities: Includes text messaging, voice and video calls, sharing of images, documents, user locations, and more.
Messenger
- Purpose: A messaging app and platform.
- Usage: Provides instant messaging, voice and video calls, and interactive features like chatbots.
Threads
- Description: An app designed for closer connections with Instagram friends.
- Function: Focuses on sharing photos, messages, Stories, and more with a selected list of close friends.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Apps
Meta Quest
- App Type: The mobile app for Meta’s VR headsets.
- Popularity: Downloaded over ten million times in 2022, showing a significant interest in VR technology​​.
Development in AR and VR
- Advancements: Meta is advancing beyond traditional 2D screens, focusing on augmented and virtual reality experiences.
- Goal: Aims to build the next evolution in social technology, enhancing user interactions through immersive experiences​​.
FAQs
What products does Meta have? What app is under Meta?
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a large tech company with a wide range of products and services. Some of the most popular ones include social networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as well as virtual reality (VR) devices like the Meta Quest line and messaging apps like Messenger.
What do people use Meta for?
People use Meta’s products for various purposes:
- Social Networking: To connect with friends and family, share photos and videos, and stay updated on news and events.
- Communication: To send messages, make voice and video calls, and collaborate with others.
- Entertainment: To watch videos, play games, and explore virtual worlds.
- Business: To advertise, connect with customers, and manage online presence.
What does Meta Facebook sell?
Meta primarily generates revenue through advertising on its platforms. It also sells virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) products like the Meta Quest headsets and accessories.
What is the difference between Facebook and Meta?
- Facebook is a social networking platform, while Meta is the parent company that owns Facebook and other products.
- The name change to Meta reflects the company’s broader focus on building the metaverse, a virtual reality space where people can interact and experience a digital world.
Does Meta sell personal data?
Meta does not sell personal data directly. However, it collects and uses user data to personalize ads and content. This practice has raised privacy concerns and sparked debates about data ownership and control.
How do I opt out of Meta AI?
If you’re referring to Meta AI features within their apps, you can often find settings to control data collection and usage. For example, in Facebook, you can manage ad preferences and control how your data is used for ad targeting. You can also limit the use of certain AI-powered features like facial recognition.
If you’re concerned about your data privacy, you can also choose to delete your Meta accounts or limit your activity on their platforms.
