Midjourney, the powerhouse AI image-generation platform currently generating over $200 million in annual revenue without venture capital backing, has officially announced its expansion into hardware development. The company confirmed on Wednesday that it is establishing a dedicated hardware division based in San Francisco.
Strategic Expansion to San Francisco
The announcement, shared via the company’s official X account, serves as a call for talent as the firm seeks to grow its new hardware-focused team. While the startup currently operates with a lean workforce of fewer than 100 employees, this move signals a significant shift in its long-term product roadmap.
We're officially getting into hardware. If you're interested in joining the new team in San Francisco please email us at hardware@midjourney.com
— Midjourney (@midjourney) August 28, 2024
Clues Point Toward Mixed Reality
Speculation regarding the nature of this hardware centers on the company’s recent hiring activity. In February, Midjourney recruited Ahmad Abbas, a former Neuralink staffer and key engineer behind the Apple Vision Pro. This acquisition suggests that the company may be exploring mixed reality or advanced headset technology.
CEO David Holz brings significant hardware pedigree to the venture, having co-founded Leap Motion, a company specializing in motion-tracking peripherals. Notably, Holz and Abbas have a prior working relationship from their time at Leap Motion, further fueling rumors of a specialized hardware project.
We aren't announcing anything specific yet, but we have multiple efforts in flight.
— Midjourney (@midjourney) August 28, 2024
Future AI Integration
Although Midjourney remains embroiled in ongoing legal challenges regarding its AI training data, the company continues to push forward with its research into 3D and video generation models. Industry analysts suggest that the upcoming hardware may be designed to interface directly with these advanced generative AI capabilities, bridging the gap between digital content creation and immersive physical devices.
For now, the company maintains that while multiple projects are in development, no specific product launch or final hardware design has been disclosed.