Looks like the metaverse dream is officially getting downsized. Word on the street is Meta's planning major cuts to what some analysts are calling their "black hole" investment—and we're talking billions that could suddenly become available. The kicker? This pivot might send shares jumping up to 20%.

Here's the thing: all that cash that's been disappearing into virtual worlds could now fuel their AI push instead. Smart move or panic mode? Analysts seem bullish either way. The company's been bleeding money on VR headsets and digital real estate while the rest of tech races ahead on artificial intelligence.

The timing's interesting too. Just as everyone's obsessing over ChatGPT and generative AI, Meta might be reading the room and shifting gears. Those billions freed up from scaling back metaverse ambitions? They could turbocharge AI research and products that actually generate revenue.

Market's already pricing in the optimism—20% upside is no joke. Guess even Zuckerberg's realizing you can't force people into the metaverse when AI's the real gold rush right now.