Meta Platforms Opens Horizon OS to Rival Device Makers

Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, is taking a significant step in the virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) industry by sharing its Horizon OS with competitor device manufacturers, including Microsoft. This strategic move aims to extend Meta's influence in the emerging VR and MR market and solidify its position as a leading player in the industry.

 

Horizon OS: A Gateway to Enhanced Capabilities

Meta's Horizon OS offers advanced features such as gesture recognition, passthrough, scene understanding, and spatial anchors.

Partner companies like Asus and Lenovo will leverage Horizon OS to develop tailored devices for specific activities, including gaming, entertainment, and productivity.

Ambition to Dominate the Computational Platform

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to establish Horizon OS as the dominant computational platform for VR and MR devices, similar to Google's Android in the smartphone market.

The move aligns with Meta's strategy to expand its VR business and solidify its foothold in the industry.

Specialized Headsets by Partner Companies

Partner companies, such as Asus and Lenovo, are developing specialized headsets using Horizon OS, catering to different user needs and preferences.

Examples include lightweight headsets for exercise, high-resolution devices for entertainment, and haptic-enabled headsets for gaming.

Market Dynamics and Competitor Landscape

While Meta currently leads the VR market, it faces increasing competition from rivals like Apple and Google.

Apple's entry into the VR space with its Vision Pro headset and Google's development of an Android platform for VR and MR devices signal growing competition in the industry.

Horizon OS Features and Ecosystem

Meta Horizon OS includes the Horizon Store (formerly Quest Store) for downloading apps and experiences, along with a mobile companion app called Meta Horizon app.

Meta welcomes collaboration with Google to integrate Google Play apps on Horizon OS devices, potentially expanding the platform's ecosystem. Meta Platforms' decision to share its Horizon OS with rival device makers marks a pivotal moment in the VR and MR industry. 

By collaborating with partners and offering advanced capabilities through Horizon OS, Meta aims to shape the future of VR and MR technology and maintain its leadership position in the market. As competition intensifies and the industry evolves, Meta's strategic moves will play a crucial role in defining the virtual reality landscape in the years to come.