In a significant move that could reshape the mixed reality landscape, Meta has announced that it is opening up Meta Horizon OS, the operating system that powers its Quest headsets, to third-party hardware makers. This decision paves the way for new mixed reality devices from major tech companies, with Xbox, Lenovo, and ASUS being among the first partners to join Meta’s initiative.
The open-source Meta Horizon OS will allow developers to access a range of advanced technologies, including eye, face, hand, and body tracking, as well as high-resolution passthrough, a popular mixed reality feature that enables users to see their surroundings while wearing the headset. Meta has also stated that all future headsets will be able to connect via the Meta Quest app on iOS and Android devices.
In a strategic partnership, Meta and Xbox have collaborated to create a “limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox.” This collaboration builds upon their previous partnership that brought Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to Meta Quest, allowing users to play Xbox games on a large 2D virtual screen in mixed reality.
Asus’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) division, renowned for its expertise in gaming solutions, will develop an all-new performance gaming headset, leveraging the capabilities of the Meta Horizon OS. Meanwhile, Lenovo, the co-designer of the Oculus Rift S, is also developing mixed reality devices aimed at productivity, learning, and entertainment.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, shared his vision for the future of mixed reality devices in an Instagram post, “You can imagine a lightweight headset that pairs with your computer on your desk to provide the best work experience whether you’re at home or anywhere else you go. Or you can imagine one that’s fully focused on watching immersive entertainment like movies and videos with the highest resolution OLED screens.”
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Zuckerberg further elaborated on the potential for devices tailored to specific use cases, such as gaming, exercise, or even a version that comes pre-bundled with Xbox controllers and Game Pass, allowing users to immediately start playing on a big screen anywhere they go.
This move by Meta to open up its operating system comes at a time when the competition in the VR/AR headset market is intensifying, with tech giants like Apple and Sony actively developing their own mixed reality devices. By partnering with major players like Xbox, Lenovo, and ASUS, Meta aims to solidify its position in the market and potentially gain a competitive edge.
As the mixed reality landscape continues to evolve, the availability of an open-source operating system and the involvement of prominent tech companies could lead to a proliferation of new and innovative devices tailored to various use cases, ultimately benefiting consumers and driving the adoption of mixed reality technologies.
