- Meta is sharing its Horizon OS with other manufacturers to grow the metaverse.
- The platform will support new devices from companies like Microsoft, Lenovo, and ASUS.
- Meta’s initiative aims to make creating and integrating apps easier for developers.
Meta is set to open its virtual reality operating system, Horizon OS, to other manufacturers, aiming to broaden the ecosystem of virtual and mixed reality devices. The company has secured partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft, Lenovo, and ASUS to foster new device development based on its platform. This strategic move toward an open model is designed to accelerate the adoption of the metaverse.
“We’re opening up the operating system that powers our Meta Quest devices to third-party hardware makers, giving developers a larger ecosystem to build for and ultimately creating more choice for consumers.,” Meta stated in a recent announcement. Horizon OS, which is the backbone of Meta’s VR and MR glasses, is an Android-based software that has been evolving over the past decade.
By allowing access to third parties, Meta aims to leverage its advanced technology — encompassing social connectivity and monetization features — to enhance user interaction across different devices. For instance, a Meta Quest user will be able to engage in Horizon Worlds with someone using Lenovo glasses, paving the way for a more unified and interactive user experience in the near future.
Meta elaborated on the capabilities of Horizon OS, emphasizing its robust social layer that allows users to carry their identities, avatars, social graphs, and friend circles seamlessly across different virtual environments. This integration will enable developers to incorporate these social features directly into their applications, enhancing the interactive experience.
Among the first to adopt Meta Horizon OS are tech leaders Microsoft, Lenovo, and ASUS, each tailoring their projects to serve distinct market segments. ASUS is set to produce a high-performance gaming helmet, while Lenovo will focus on mixed reality glasses designed for both work and leisure. Microsoft’s involvement is particularly notable as they plan to release a limited edition of Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox, adding a unique twist to the collaboration.
Meta is embracing an open approach with its Horizon OS, aiming to shape the future of the metaverse by making the platform available to third-party developers. This strategy is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform, the same technology found in the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, ensuring high performance across devices.
In a move to make the platform more accessible, Meta is lowering the entry barriers for developers. Now, anyone who meets the criteria can launch their applications directly on the platform. Efforts to enhance developer engagement include a dedicated App Lab section and opportunities to transform mobile applications into mixed reality experiences using a spatial framework.
Mark Zuckerberg expressed his vision for this open model to lead the next era of spatial computing, involving the metaverse, various wearable devices, and beyond. “Our aim is to enable a wide range of experiences, from lightweight mixed reality headsets tailored for work to high-resolution OLED glasses designed for entertainment,” Zuckerberg explained. He also discussed the integration of gaming, with plans for glasses that support various peripherals and models capable of accessing a multitude of gaming platforms such as Game Pass, Steam, and Google Play.
Mark Zuckerberg seized the moment to critique Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem. He pointed out that while the iPhone has triumphed in the mobile arena, its “strictly controlled” nature restricts users to only what Apple permits. By opening up Horizon OS to third-party integration, Meta aims to initiate a PC-like renaissance in the metaverse, fostering an environment of innovation and greater user freedom.
