Meta is Offering Horizon OS to Competitors

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is making bold strides in the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) space, aiming to establish itself as the Microsoft of headsets. By offering its Horizon OS, initially developed for its Quest headset, to competitors like Lenovo and Asus, Meta is laying the groundwork to dominate the AR/VR market in a manner reminiscent of Microsoft’s dominance in the PC realm.

In a significant move toward openness, Meta has embarked on licensing its operating system for the Quest headset to other hardware manufacturers, commencing with partnerships with Lenovo and Asus. Moreover, Meta is collaborating with Xbox to introduce a limited-run, gaming-focused Quest headset. This strategic expansion could position Meta as a key player in the AR/VR industry.

In line with its commitment to fostering innovation and accessibility, Meta is advocating for increased avenues to explore alternative app stores. The company is amplifying the visibility of its experimental App Lab store and extending invitations to Google to integrate the Play Store into its Horizon OS. Additionally, Meta is developing a spatial framework to facilitate developers in porting their mobile apps seamlessly to Horizon OS.

A pivotal component of Horizon OS is the Horizon social layer, a dynamic 3D platform reminiscent of Roblox blended with The Sims. Despite encountering initial challenges, Meta has diligently enhanced Horizon, recently introducing a web version for a broader user experience. By extending Horizon OS to other hardware manufacturers, Meta aims to expand the reach of its social network, which it plans to monetize through advertising and commerce.

Regarding the business terms of the Horizon OS license, Meta has not disclosed details beyond the social network integration and the requirement for Qualcomm chips. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, envisions a future where lightweight headsets enhance productivity and entertainment experiences seamlessly. Notably, Zuckerberg is positioning Meta’s Horizon OS as the Android counterpart to Apple’s Vision Pro, underscoring his ambition for Meta to be a more open platform than Apple.

Comparisons to Microsoft’s approach in the early PC market are apt, with Meta leveraging its OS to drive widespread adoption and innovation in the AR/VR space. While Microsoft explored VR initiatives with Windows Mixed Reality, it also supported Meta’s Oculus Rift, recognizing the potential for collaboration in the burgeoning VR landscape.

As Meta continues to expand its horizons, the company’s strategic partnerships and open-platform approach signal its ambition to shape the future of AR/VR technology, akin to Microsoft’s transformative role in the PC industry.