Meta opens Quest OS to third-party headset makers

Meta opens Quest OS to third-party headset makers is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• The announcement reveals that Meta Quest’s mixed reality operating system is now open to third-party manufacturers, with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox among the first to develop compatible devices.
• Dubbed “Meta Horizon OS,” this system grants developers access to advanced features like eye and body tracking, alongside high-resolution passthrough, promising enhanced immersive experiences.
• This move by Meta comes amidst escalating competition in the VR/AR headset market, raising questions about the potential impact on Meta’s competitiveness and the market reception of Quest-like headsets.

The announcement made by the company on Monday states that the mixed reality operating system powering Meta Quest headsets is now officially accessible to third-party device manufacturers. Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox, as leading tech entities, have become the initial confirmations to embark on the development of new devices leveraging this software.

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The open system facilitates developers’ access to advanced technologies

Rebranded as “Meta Horizon OS,” this open system facilitates developers’ access to advanced technologies such as eye, face, hand, and body tracking, alongside high-resolution passthrough—a favoured mixed reality feature enabling users to maintain visual contact with their surroundings while wearing the headset. The company has indicated that all forthcoming headsets will be compatible with the Meta Quest app, accessible on iOS and Android devices.

Microsoft has forged a partnership with Meta

Of particular note, Microsoft has forged a partnership with Meta to produce a “limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox,” as revealed in the announcement. Conversely, Asus and Lenovo are focusing on crafting headsets tailored to specific usage scenarios. Asus is concentrating on a gaming-oriented headset, while Lenovo aims for a device geared towards “productivity, learning, and entertainment.”

The introduction of Meta Horizon OS coincides with the ongoing intensification of the VR/AR headset competition among Meta, Apple, and Sony. While the adoption of an open operating system represents a strategic and intriguing move for the company, questions persist regarding its potential to confer a competitive advantage to Meta in the race, and whether the Quest-like headsets will gain significant traction in the market.