Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has made an announcement that it will open up the operating system of its Quest mixed reality headsets to other technology companies. This move will allow for the development of more purpose-specific devices, expanding beyond the general-use Quest devices that are currently available. The operating system, previously referred to as Quest software, will now be known as Horizon OS.
In an Instagram video, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained that the company plans to release headsets that cater to various specific needs. These include headsets designed for watching TV and movies on virtual screens, with a focus on high-end OLED displays. There will also be lightweight headsets specifically created for productivity and exercise purposes, sacrificing performance for comfort. Additionally, Meta will be launching gaming-oriented headsets.
To kickstart this new venture, Meta has already named three partners: Asus, Lenovo, and Xbox. Asus will produce a gaming headset under its Republic of Gamers brand, Lenovo will manufacture general-purpose headsets with an emphasis on productivity, learning, and entertainment, and a special edition of Meta Quest will be released in collaboration with Xbox, bundled with an Xbox controller, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Game Pass.
One of the main advantages of this new initiative is that users of Horizon OS devices from various manufacturers will still be able to connect and interact within the operating system’s social layer. This means that they can share virtual spaces, identities, avatars, social graphs, and friend groups, regardless of the specific device they are using.
This announcement from Meta comes at a crucial time in the development of the consumer mixed reality market. While Meta initially emerged as a leader in this space, the market has become more saturated, resulting in diminishing returns on new devices. Furthermore, the recent entry of Apple into the market with its Vision Pro headset has added a new player to the field.
Although Apple’s Vision Pro headset is currently positioned at a higher price point and contains more advanced technology than Meta’s Quest devices, it is expected that the competition between the two companies will intensify over time. Meta’s decision to open up its Horizon OS platform to partner OEMs aligns with the approach seen in the smartphone market, with Google’s Android operating system being available on a wide range of devices from different manufacturers, while Apple’s iOS exclusively runs on Apple iPhones.
Meta has also announced that it is working on a new spatial app framework to simplify the development of mixed reality apps for Horizon OS. This framework aims to lower the barrier of entry for developers with mobile app development experience, enabling them to create mixed reality experiences more easily. Additionally, Meta plans to remove the barriers between the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab, allowing developers who meet the necessary requirements to release software on the platform.
While specific details regarding pricing, specifications, and release dates for the new devices have not been disclosed, Zuckerberg acknowledged that it will likely take a couple of years for this ecosystem of hardware devices to be fully introduced.
In my own opinion, Meta’s decision to open up its operating system to partner OEMs is a strategic move that recognizes the increasing competition in the mixed reality market. By collaborating with other technology companies, Meta can leverage their expertise and resources to accelerate the development of purpose-specific devices. This approach is similar to what we have witnessed in the smartphone market, where offering an open operating system has allowed Android to secure a significant market share.
Moreover, the ability for users of Horizon OS devices from different manufacturers to stay connected and share virtual spaces demonstrates Meta’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive ecosystem. This feature will likely enhance the overall user experience and contribute to the growth of the mixed reality community.
However, Meta must ensure that it maintains a competitive edge against Apple, which has a strong track record of integrating hardware, software, and services seamlessly within its devices. While opening up the operating system may attract more partners and expand the range of devices available, Meta must also prioritize delivering a consistent and high-quality user experience across all these devices.
Overall, Meta’s decision to open up its operating system and collaborate with partner OEMs marks an important step in the evolution of the mixed reality market. By embracing a more open approach and leveraging the expertise of other technology companies, Meta has the potential to drive innovation, expand the range of available devices, and create a thriving mixed reality ecosystem.
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