Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is making significant strides in its metaverse ambitions this spring with the launch of Horizon OS, a new virtual reality ecosystem. The company is shifting away from its previous closed-off approach and is now allowing other headset manufacturers to integrate their framework.
Already, companies like Asus’ ROG and Lenovo are developing headsets with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processors, set to work seamlessly with Horizon OS. Additionally, Meta and Xbox have teased a potential limited edition Xbox-themed Quest, aligning with the recent compatibility of Game Pass with Quest’s operating system.
The CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, has likened Horizon OS to Apple’s iOS, emphasizing the open nature of the new system. In a bold move, Zuckerberg took a swipe at Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro VR headset, claiming that Meta’s Quest 3 is a superior VR/AR device.
With the introduction of Horizon OS, the VR headset market is expected to experience growth, especially with other companies like Valve also working on new headsets. The potential for Horizon OS to revolutionize the VR landscape lies in the fact that it provides a user-friendly interface for high-end headsets from various manufacturers.
Overall, Meta’s progress with Horizon OS marks a significant step forward in the evolution of virtual reality technology. As more companies embrace this new ecosystem, consumers can expect a more open and interconnected VR experience in the near future.
