The company behind the social media brand Facebook has changed its name to Meta and updated its logo to resemble an infinity loop.
Founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the name change at the latest annual Facebook connect event. He also spoke about the company’s updated logo featuring a looping M.
Representing the company’s venture into the metaverse, the brand’s aim is to create a parallel world to the real world where people can experience a parallel existence.
The new name, which was designed with the company’s familiar 2019 typeface, has been incorporated into all company apps, including Whatsapp, Instagram and Messenger. Moreover, they will be used for its virtual reality brand, Oculus, which the company acquired in 2014.
“The defining quality of the metaverse will be a feeling of presence”
In a letter on the brand’s blog, Zuckerberg explained that the company chose Meta because it implies possibility and a future where there is “more to build”. Meta literally means beyond in Greek.
“We chose ‘Meta’ because it can mean ‘beyond'”, read the statement. “The defining quality of the metaverse will be a feeling of presence – like you are right there with another person or in another place.”
The Metaverse
“The metaverse encompasses both the social experiences and future technology,” it continued.
The company’s rebrand marks its shift from social media
With Meta, the company is now trying to create a platform where users can “socialize, work, play, learn, shop, and create” across multiple apps. Users can use products and connect with others virtually without registering with Facebook.
The name change further distances the company from its association with Facebook.
“Right now, our brand is so tightly linked to one product that it can’t possibly represent everything that we’re doing today, let alone in the future,” explained Zuckerberg.
“Over time, I hope that we are seen as a metaverse company, and I want to anchor our work and identity on what we’re building toward.”
The new logo is designed to “live in motion and 3D”
Both the 2D and 3D versions of the logo are designed to be effective on a variety of different screens and apps of different sizes, from phone screens to virtual reality apps.