Meta is set to expand its virtual reality ambitions this spring by opening up beyond just its Meta Quest 3 headsets. The company, led by Mark Zuckerberg, is launching a new operating system named Horizon OS.
With this move, major PC manufacturers are now introducing new headsets, potentially enhancing the usefulness of VR. Additionally, Meta and Xbox are collaborating on a new Quest headset.
Horizon OS is a new virtual reality ecosystem similar to Android, allowing other headset manufacturers to use Meta’s platform on their devices. Interestingly, the current operating system on Quest headsets is derived from Android, but features its own app market known as the Meta Quest Store.
Now, more hardware makers have the opportunity to create devices similar to the Quest. Additionally, the store will be rebranded as the Horizon Store to match the new OS naming convention.
Meta has announced that Asus’ gaming division, ROG, and Lenovo, which previously collaborated on the Oculus Rift S, are developing new VR headsets that will use Horizon OS. Both headsets will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processors, according to Meta.
If you noticed the character from Horizon Worlds wearing a black and green Meta Quest 3 in the main picture, it’s because Meta is hinting at a special Xbox-themed Quest that’s coming soon. It’s unclear if this version will be different beyond the color scheme.
This move aligns with Xbox and Meta’s recent collaboration, as Game Pass now works seamlessly with the Quest operating system.
Additionally, Valve’s Steam VR has a dedicated app on Quest that allows users to stream Steam games on Quest headsets, provided they have a powerful enough computer.
In a video, Meta’s CEO, who is also a fan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and known for borrowing ideas, Mark Zuckerberg, likened the new Horizon OS to Apple’s iOS. However, he pointed out that while the iPhone operates on a relatively closed system restricting user access, his company’s new OS is more open, similar to the PC model.
Zuckerberg is now referring to the Quest’s operating system as a “spatial computing OS,” a term that has gained popularity primarily because Apple uses it. The Quest remains one of the most popular devices in the virtual reality market.
Big news! Meta has just announced that they're opening up Meta Horizon OS, the operating system powering Quest, to allow others to design more headsets using their ecosystem. Lenovo, Microsoft, and ASUS are among Meta's initial partners. This move could spark a new wave of… pic.twitter.com/xu6A0LfcZX
— Nathie (@NathieVR) April 22, 2024
What we think?
I think Meta’s Horizon OS will really change how we use VR headsets. Many companies can make their own VR devices now, which means more choices for us. The new operating system sounds easy to use and more open than others.
I’m excited to see new games and apps that will come with this. Also, the partnership with Xbox sounds cool, and I can’t wait to see the special Xbox-themed headset.
