Meta is rebranding its Quest software program platform to Meta Horizon OS, and making it accessible to pick third-party headset makers.
Headsets working the platform will characteristic a “Constructed with Meta Horizon OS” sticker on the field. They’re going to have entry to the identical core software program and platform providers as Meta Quest headsets, together with Meta’s monitoring and combined actuality know-how and app retailer. As with Quest headsets, utilizing them would require a Meta account.
The Meta Quest Retailer may even be rebranded to Meta Horizon Retailer. Quest will stay solely because the {hardware} model for Meta’s first-party headsets, and Meta will proceed to place out new Quest headsets.
Two third-party corporations have already publicly introduced they’re constructing new headsets working Meta Horizon OS:
- A “efficiency gaming headset” from ASUS underneath its Republic of Players (ROG) model.
- A line of headsets for “productiveness, studying, and leisure” from Lenovo.
In February Meta and LG introduced an XR strategic collaboration together with “next-gen XR gadget improvement”, suggesting LG is also making a headset working Meta Horizon OS.
Ideas of Meta Horizon OS headsets from ASUS’s ROG model (left) and Lenovo (proper).
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says he can “think about” third-party Meta Horizon OS headsets optimized round particular use instances, comparable to:
- “A light-weight headset that pairs together with your laptop in your desk to offer the most effective work expertise.”
- A headset “absolutely centered on immersive leisure like watching films and movies with the best decision OLED screens.”
- A headset “absolutely optimized for gaming with help for all types of various peripherals and haptics.”
- A headset “designed for train that is extra-light with sweat-wicking supplies”.
It is unclear whether or not any of those confer with the ASUS or Lenovo headsets, or simply future potential avenues corporations may take.
Ideas of Meta Horizon OS headsets optimized for media viewing (left) and health (proper).
Moreover, Meta is working with Microsoft’s Xbox division to create a “limited-edition Meta Quest” headset with Xbox branding. The idea picture of this headset suggests it will likely be a particular model of Quest 3, and Zuckerberg says it’ll embody an Xbox gamepad within the field.
In the present day’s information comes slightly below two months after it was revealed that Google tried to persuade Meta to desert the Quest platform (now Horizon OS) and swap to its upcoming Android XR platform, anticipated to be introduced at Google I/O in three weeks.
Google Tried To Get Meta To Change To Its XR OS
Google reportedly requested Meta to companion and “contribute to” its upcoming XR working system, however Meta mentioned no.
Samsung is the primary introduced {hardware} maker adopting Android XR, and Google is reportedly attempting to court docket different corporations too. Meta’s new technique and securing a number of main corporations already could possibly be a serious blow to Google’s ambitions within the area, particularly given Lenovo was Google’s authentic companion for its earlier VR platform Daydream again in 2018.
Meta has repeatedly mentioned it desires Google to deliver its Play Retailer of 2D Android apps to Quest (now Horizon OS), promising it might proceed to take its present minimize of 2D app gross sales income. Google appears set on proudly owning a full XR platform although, not simply the 2D app part of Meta’s.
In coming years Meta and Google will possible fiercely compete to persuade third-party {hardware} makers to undertake their respective XR platforms. The historical past of know-how suggests there’s solely room for one open platform alongside Apple’s closed providing. Will this be true for XR too? And if that’s the case will or not it’s Meta, or Google?
