Meta recently revealed its plans to open up its operating system for third-party hardware and software development on its Quest line of mixed-reality devices. This move is accompanied by a new name, “Meta Horizon OS,” and a rebranding of the Quest Store as the “Meta Horizon Store.” Additionally, Meta has partnered with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox brand.
As part of the collaboration, each partner will work closely with Meta to create their own mixed/virtual reality devices. Asus’s Republic of Gamers is currently working on a “performance gaming headset,” although specific details about its features are still scarce. It is speculated that the headset will prioritize high-quality visuals and audio, with a focus on multiplayer connectivity.
Lenovo is also set to develop its own Meta Horizon OS devices. The Chinese tech giant had previously collaborated with Meta to create the Oculus Rift S headsets before Meta rebranded and Oculus became part of the Quest line.
Furthermore, Microsoft’s Xbox brand is joining forces with Meta to develop a limited-edition Xbox-themed Meta Quest headset. It should be noted that this partnership does not imply that Xbox will be releasing its own VR devices to compete with PlayStation VR. Instead, the collaboration will build upon their previous Quest headset partnership, allowing users to play Xbox games on a virtual reality platform with a flat, 2D screen.
In addition to these partnerships, Meta also announced the launch of an “App Lab” that will serve as a platform for smaller developers to publish their titles. This initiative resembles the independent developer offerings found in many gaming storefronts, featuring a selection of lower-priced and lesser-known games.
Overall, Meta’s decision to open up its operating system and collaborate with high-profile partners demonstrates its commitment to expanding the world of mixed-reality devices and providing users with a wide range of immersive experiences.