1. Evaluate the New Hardware Landscape
This year’s event was heavily focused on the next generation of smart glasses and wearable AI. While a flagship Quest 4 headset may be slated for a later date, the emphasis on lighter, more accessible form factors for enterprise is clear. Your first step
is to assess how these new devices could fit into your operations. Are your teams primarily desk-based or on the front line? Lighter smart glasses might be perfect for remote assistance and hands-free information access in manufacturing or logistics, while more immersive mixed-reality headsets could remain the tool of choice for complex design reviews and in-depth training simulations. Don't get caught up in the hype of a single device; map the new hardware capabilities to specific, high-friction workflows in your organization.
2. Identify Use Cases for AI and Agent Platforms
Meta's investment in AI was a recurring theme, with a focus on AI agents and models like Muse Spark designed to power new experiences. The company is positioning these technologies as the core of the next computing platform. For your checklist, this means thinking beyond hardware. Brainstorm where an AI agent could streamline business processes. Could an AI-powered assistant running on smart glasses guide a new employee through a complex task? Could it provide real-time language translation for a global team? Meta is also enabling businesses to deploy their own agents on its messaging platforms to handle sales and support. Identify two or three pilot projects where AI could deliver measurable ROI, such as reduced training time or faster customer response.
3. Audit Your IT Infrastructure and Security
Adopting new XR and AI technologies requires a solid foundation. Your checklist must include a thorough IT audit. Can your network handle the data demands of streaming high-fidelity immersive content? Do you have a plan for managing these new devices as enterprise endpoints? Meta has evolved its business offerings, making its device management solution, Meta Horizon Managed Services (HMS), available at no cost and ensuring it can integrate with third-party MDM platforms like VMware Workspace ONE and Microsoft Intune. This is a significant step, as it lowers the barrier to entry for secure, scalable deployments. Work with your IT team to ensure your governance, security protocols, and identity management systems are ready for this new class of device.
4. Plan for Application Development and Integration
A key takeaway from Connect 2026 is the growing maturity of the developer ecosystem. Meta is pushing for its wearables to become a true third-party platform. This presents an opportunity to move beyond off-the-shelf solutions and create custom applications tailored to your business needs. Your checklist should task your technical teams with exploring the new developer tools and SDKs announced. One of the most practical starting points is leveraging the ability to run existing Android apps in VR, which lowers the development barrier significantly. Furthermore, successful XR integration means connecting these new applications to your existing business systems, like your Learning Management System (LMS) for training or your asset management platforms for maintenance workflows.
5. Budget for Pilot Programs and Scaled Deployment
Innovation requires investment. While some enterprise tools have become more accessible, new hardware and custom software development still require a budget. A successful adoption strategy starts with a focused, tightly-scoped pilot program designed to prove value on a small scale before committing to a company-wide rollout. Define clear KPIs for this pilot, whether it's improved efficiency, lower error rates, or increased employee safety. Use the results from this initial phase to build a business case for a larger investment. Your adoption checklist isn't complete without a line item for budget planning that covers hardware acquisition, software licenses, development costs, and employee training.
6. Prepare Your People for Change
Ultimately, the success of any new technology hinges on people. Many enterprise XR programs fail not because of the technology, but because of poor change management. Your final checklist item should be to create a communication and training plan. Explain the 'why' behind the new tools, linking them directly to benefits for employees, such as making their jobs safer, easier, or more productive. Offer hands-on training sessions to build comfort and competency. By involving your team early and addressing their concerns, you can transform a top-down technology push into a bottom-up movement, ensuring the tools you adopt actually get used.
