On April 22, 2024, Meta Platforms stated that it was making its Quest operating system, now known as Meta Horizon OS, available to third-party device makers—a move that could fundamentally alter the virtual reality (VR) industry. By regulating the software and encouraging a greater selection of VR hardware solutions for users, Meta hopes to become the industry leader in virtual reality.
Before, Meta’s Quest headset series played a major role in its domination in the VR market. In an attempt to spur the adoption of virtual reality and position its software as the industry standard, Meta is inviting competitors like Microsoft and well-known tech firms like Asus and Lenovo to manufacture devices powered by Horizon OS. This is a move that could replicate the success of Google’s Android OS in the smartphone market.
This tactical change is a result of VR technology’s ongoing development and ongoing difficulty finding widespread acceptance. VR headsets are mostly used by gamers, while there has been some limited uptake in the business world for remote collaboration and training. By allowing more competition, Meta is speculating that a greater range of VR devices that suit various purposes and price points will draw in a larger consumer base.
Many important capabilities are available to VR headset developers with the recently launched Horizon OS. Among these are:
- Body and gesture tracking: This makes using VR environments easier and more engaging for users.
- Improved safety and usability: High-resolution passthrough allows users to see their real-world surroundings without taking off the headset.
- Scene understanding and spatial anchors: By enabling interaction between VR applications and the physical world, scene understanding, and spatial anchors help to improve the transition between the real and virtual worlds.
Future VR headsets powered by Horizon OS, according to Meta, will all work in unison with the Meta Quest mobile app, which is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones. Users can simply manage their VR experiences across platforms thanks to the creation of a single ecosystem.
A few intriguing collaborations were also alluded to in the announcement. Using the capabilities of Horizon OS, Asus’ Republic of Gamers brand is apparently creating a VR headset especially for gamers. Conversely, Lenovo is developing a mixed reality (MR) gadget for educational, recreational, and productivity uses.
The partnership between Meta and Microsoft is arguably the most fascinating. The presentation showcased a “limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox,” implying a possible co-branded virtual reality headgear targeted at the vast Xbox user population. With the combination of Microsoft’s well-established gaming footprint and Meta’s industry-leading VR software, this cooperation has the potential to be very beneficial for both businesses.
The tech sector has been impacted by Meta’s decision to open its VR platform, even though some sources indicate that these new gadgets would not be released for a few years. Analysts predict that this action may mark a turning point for VR, bringing in a fresh surge of innovation and increased consumer uptake.
But there are possible drawbacks as well. It is unclear if developers will accept a platform run by a single business in its entirety. Splitting up the VR hardware sector may also cause incompatibilities and confusion for buyers.
Though there may be obstacles along the way, Meta’s move to make Horizon OS public is audacious and could influence VR in the future. Meta is trying to make virtual reality (VR) more than just a specialized technology by encouraging competition and providing a strong software platform that is available to a larger audience. We’ll find out in the upcoming years if this tactic cements Meta’s hegemony or opens the door for a more transparent and competitive VR market.
