Meta has officially announced that third-party device makers can now use the mixed reality operating system that powers Meta Quest headsets. Technology giants Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox are the first to confirm their plans to develop new devices running the software.
Now known as “Meta Horizon OS,” this open system provides developers access to technologies such as eye, face, hand, and body tracking, as well as high-resolution passthrough – a popular mixed reality feature that allows users to see their surroundings while wearing the headset. Meta also states that all future headsets can connect via the Meta Quest app on iOS and Android devices.
Microsoft has joined forces with Meta to create a “limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox.” Meanwhile, Asus and Lenovo are focusing on building headsets tailored to specific use cases. Asus is developing a gaming-focused headset, while Lenovo aims for a device suitable for “productivity, learning, and entertainment.”
With the VR/AR headset competition intensifying between Meta, Apple, and Sony, the introduction of Meta Horizon OS represents a bold and strategic move. The success of this open operating system and the popularity of Quest-like headsets remain to be seen as the industry rivalry heats up.
