Meta is rebranding its Quest software platform to Meta Horizon OS, and opening it up to third-party headset makers.
Headsets running the platform will feature a “Built with Meta Horizon OS” sticker on the box.
They’ll have access to the same core software and platform services as Meta Quest headsets, including Meta’s tracking and mixed reality technology and app store.
The Meta Quest Store will also be rebranded to Meta Horizon Store.
Quest will remain only as the hardware brand for Meta’s first-party headsets, and Meta will continue to put out new Quest headsets.
Two third-party companies have already publicly announced they are building entirely new headsets running Meta Horizon OS: A “performance gaming headset” from ASUS under its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand.
In February Meta and LG announced an XR strategic collaboration including “next-gen XR device development”, suggesting LG could also be making a headset running Meta Horizon OS.
Additionally, Meta is working with Microsoft’s Xbox division to create a “limited-edition Meta Quest” headset with Xbox branding.
Meta is opening up its Quest software platform to outside headset manufacturers by renaming it Meta Horizon OS.
A sticker that reads “Built with Meta Horizon OS” will be present on headsets that are compatible with the platform. They will be able to use the same core platform services and software, such as Meta’s app store, tracking, and mixed reality capabilities, as Meta Quest headsets. Similar to Quest headsets, utilizing them necessitates having a Meta account.
The Meta Horizon Store will be the new name of the Meta Quest Store. Meta will continue to release new Quest headsets, and Quest will only serve as the hardware brand for its first-party headsets.
Two independent businesses have already made it known that they are developing brand-new headsets that will run Meta Horizon OS:.
a “performance gaming headset” sold by ASUS under the Republic of Gamers (ROG) name.
Lenovo’s line of “productivity, learning, and entertainment” headsets.
In February, Meta and LG declared their strategic partnership in XR, encompassing “next-generation XR device development.” This implied that LG might be developing a headset that runs Meta Horizon OS.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, claims he can “imagine” third-party Meta Horizon OS headsets tailored for particular applications, like:.
“For the optimal working experience, use a lightweight headset that pairs with your desktop computer. “.
A head-mounted display “completely dedicated to immersive entertainment, such as viewing films and images on the highest-resolution OLED panels.”. “.
A headset that is “perfectly suited for gaming and compatible with a wide range of accessories and haptics.”. “.”.
A headgear “made with sweat-wicking materials and extra light weight for exercise.”.
It’s unclear if any of these are referring to the headsets made by ASUS or Lenovo, or if they are simply future directions that businesses might go in.
Furthermore, Meta and Microsoft’s Xbox division are collaborating to produce a “limited-edition Meta Quest” headset bearing the Xbox logo. This headset’s concept image implies that it will be a limited edition of Quest 3, and according to Zuckerberg, the box will come with an Xbox gamepad.
This news comes less than two months after it was made public that Google attempted to persuade Meta to move from the Quest platform—which is currently known as Horizon OS—to its upcoming Android XR platform, which is scheduled to be unveiled at Google I/O in three weeks.
According to reports, Google is attempting to court additional businesses in addition to Samsung, which is the first hardware manufacturer to publicly announce that it will be using Android XR. Considering that Lenovo was Google’s first partner for its former VR platform Daydream back in 2018, Meta’s new approach and its acquisition of numerous significant companies could be a serious setback to Google’s hopes in the market.
Throughout its history, Meta has stated that it wants Google to bring its 2D Android Play Store to Quest (now Horizon OS), with the understanding that it will still be able to collect its current revenue share from 2D app sales. Though it appears that Google intends to own more than just Meta’s 2D app store—a complete XR platform.
To get independent hardware manufacturers to use their respective XR platforms, Meta and Google are expected to engage in a heated competition in the upcoming years. Technology history indicates that Apple’s closed product can only be complemented by one open platform. Will this also apply to XR? If so, who will benefit—Google or Meta?
