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Meta Platforms Unveils Quest OS for Rivals: Asus, Lenovo, Microsoft Dive In for VR Expansion
Meta Platforms is sharing its Quest headset's operating system with rival device makers, including Microsoft, for the first time. Partner companies will be able to build their own headsets using Meta Horizon OS, a rebranded operating system with advanced capabilities.Asus and Lenovo are among the first partners to utilise the operating system to create devices tailored for specific activities.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, announced on Monday that it will be sharing its Quest headset's operating system with rival device makers, including Microsoft. This move marks the first time that Meta is opening up its operating system to external partners, as it aims to expand its influence in the emerging virtual and mixed reality industry.
The company will allow partner companies to build their own headsets using Meta Horizon OS, a rebranded operating system that offers advanced capabilities such as gesture recognition, passthrough, scene understanding, and spatial anchors. In a blog post, Meta stated that Asus and Lenovo will be among the first partners to utilize the operating system to create devices tailored for specific activities.
In addition to collaborating with external partners, Meta is also using the Quest operating system to develop a limited edition version of the headset inspired by Microsoft's Xbox gaming console. This move highlights Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's ambition to establish Meta as the leading computational platform for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices, similar to how Google's Android became a dominant player in the smartphone market.
Meta's VR business has already benefited from its Android-based Meta Horizon OS, which has enabled the company to gain a strong foothold in the VR market. Zuckerberg showcased examples of specialized headsets that partners could create, including a lightweight device for exercise, a high-resolution one for entertainment, and a gaming headset equipped with haptic feedback.
ASUS' Republic of Gamers is currently developing a gaming headset using the Meta Horizon OS, while Lenovo is working on an MR device for productivity, learning, and entertainment. However, Meta acknowledges that it may take a few years for these devices to be launched.
While VR and MR headsets have primarily been adopted by the gaming community and select enterprises for training and remote conferencing, Meta faces increasing competition in the market. Apple recently entered the category with its Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499, and Google is reportedly working on an Android platform for VR and MR devices. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth previously criticised Google for its restrictive terms that could potentially fragment the ecosystem.
In a video posted on Zuckerberg's Instagram account, he expressed openness to having Google Play apps on Meta Horizon OS devices, if Google is willing to collaborate. However, Google has not yet responded to this statement.
Meta also announced that the Meta Horizon OS includes the Horizon Store, previously known as the Quest Store, where users can download apps and experiences. The platform will be complemented by the Meta Horizon app, a mobile companion app.
Meta Platforms is sharing its Quest headset's operating system with rival device makers, including Microsoft, for the first time.
Partner companies will be able to build their own headsets using Meta Horizon OS, a rebranded operating system with advanced capabilities.
Asus and Lenovo are among the first partners to utilise the operating system to create devices tailored for specific activities.
Source: REUTERS