Meta is set to expand its Meta Quest ecosystem by opening up the operating system of its Meta Quest devices to third-party manufacturers, including industry leaders like Xbox and Lenovo. This strategic move could potentially shape the future of the metaverse and make mixed-reality technologies more accessible to a larger audience.
Utilizing Meta Horizon OS, third-party hardware manufacturers can now create a new wave of mixed-reality devices by leveraging this advanced operating system. The Meta Horizon OS, explicitly designed for the Meta Quest headsets, will provide the backbone for a range of new mixed-reality hardware.
With its advanced technology and emphasis on social interaction, the Meta Horizon OS aims to provide a more intuitive and connected user experience. Meta has invested in technologies such as inside-out tracking, self-tracked controllers, and various tracking systems for hand, eye, face, and body tracking. Additionally, they have developed tools for blending digital and physical worlds, like high-resolution Passthrough, Scene Understanding, and Spatial Anchors.
Meta’s partnership with industry leaders like ASUS’s Republic of Gamers and Lenovo has resulted in the development of new devices based on the Meta Horizon OS. ASUS is creating a performance-oriented gaming headset, while Lenovo will leverage its experience from co-designing the Oculus Rift S to create mixed-reality devices aimed at enhancing productivity, education, and entertainment.
Last year, Xbox and Meta collaborated to introduce Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to Meta Quest, allowing users to play Xbox games in mixed reality. Building on that partnership, they are now developing a limited-edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox. The Meta Horizon OS provides developers with tools to create immersive mixed-reality experiences and access integrated content discovery and monetization platforms.
The Meta Horizon OS’s social infrastructure enables users to carry their identities, avatars, and social connections across virtual spaces. This allows developers to incorporate social features into their applications, creating a more connected mixed-reality ecosystem. Developers can leverage these social features to enhance user engagement and create unique immersive experiences.
Meta’s expansion of its Meta Quest ecosystem through opening up its operating system to third-party manufacturers has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience mixed-reality technology. By partnering with industry leaders and investing in advanced technologies, Meta is paving the way for a more accessible and connected metaverse. The future of mixed reality looks promising with Meta’s innovative approach and collaboration with global technology leaders.