I agree with your analysis, and I think the fact that they've struggled to actually bring a compelling product to market at a price point that attracts consumers (outside of the technology bubble) means that, even if they had the best of intentions at disrupting the market for innovative user interfaces, either they are another Research In Motion (great product, with a long-term idea that wasn't quite ready for primetime yet), or just another side show that won't end up being culturally relevant beyond the passing captivation that individuals felt upon watching their "whale stadium" mock-up video.

In retrospect (at the time, even) it felt like complete BS. If you look back at the threads posted on HN, I distinctly remember people calling out their methods as super vague, and probably completely fictitious - amazing to see that the angry, dismissive comments actually turned out to be the most factually based!

The problem with Magic Leap is that it was always vaporware. I think the second you start using 3D CGI to "show what the product will be like" you're already kind of fucking up. I mean I get it, if youre building a concept car, you can't just immediately build it. But Magic Leap's videos were always like "yeah literally, it'll be like you're in Avatar."

Give me a break. I hope some mega-corp eats up the IP for like 7 cents on the dollar and actually uses some of the tech for something that sees the light of day.