FTC tries to block Meta’s purchase of ‘Supernatural’ VR workout app maker Within

The Federal Trade Commission is not letting Meta off the hook, as they recently filed an antitrust suit against the tech giant to stop them from acquiring Within Unlimited, the brains behind the popular virtual reality workout app Supernatural. The FTC is accusing Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg of trying to expand their VR empire unlawfully, highlighting the value that Supernatural brings to its users.

Meta, already a big player in the VR world with the Meta Quest 2 headset and successful acquisitions like Beat Games, is being called out for allegedly trying to buy their way to the top instead of playing fair. The FTC’s John Newman criticized Meta’s actions as an illegal move that hampers competition.

Despite Meta’s excitement about acquiring Within, the FTC stepped in, worried about potential loss of innovation and competition in the VR fitness market. Meta is defending their stance, arguing that the FTC’s case is based more on ideology than on actual evidence, and they believe the acquisition will boost VR innovation.

This blow to Meta’s plans comes at a time when the company is already facing challenges in their quest to dominate the metaverse scene, with cost-cutting measures and price hikes on the Meta Quest 2 headset. The FTC’s decision to block the Within acquisition is just another obstacle for Meta in the tech market.

Update: Meta has clapped back at the FTC with a blog post titled “The FTC’s Attempt to Block Meta’s Acquisition of Within Is Wrong on the Facts and the Law,” standing firm on their position.