Meta has announced a set of new updates to its 3D avatars in a move which the company says is part of the early stage of its metaverse plans.

“VR and Quest are key parts of our metaverse vision, but we see the metaverse as an interconnected digital world, one that bridges VR and AR, in addition to more familiar platforms like your phone and computer,” said Aigerim Shorman, general manager for avatars and identity at Meta. “Rolling out avatars across our platforms is an early step towards making this a reality.”

Last year Facebook changed its corporate name to Meta as part of a new branding that aimed to reflect the company’s new focus on developing the metaverse.

The technology giant is adding new facial shapes and assistive devices for people with
disabilities. The updates include Cochlear implants and over-the-ear hearing aids in a variety of colours and on all platforms, including VR. It also includes wheelchairs, which will appear in stickers on Facebook, in Messenger chats, and in DMs on Instagram.

The new avatars will be available on Facebook and Messenger, and for the first time on Instagram, for people in the US, Canada, and Mexico, as well as other countries where the company has already begun the roll out.

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