Meta opens Quest OS to third-party developers to rival Apple
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced its decision to make its proprietary operating system, Meta Horizon OS, available to third-party hardware manufacturers. This operating system powers Meta's Quest mixed reality headsets. The move is seen as part of Meta's ongoing rivalry with Apple in the race for dominance in the next generation of computing technology.
Zuckerberg compares current computing landscape to previous eras
In an Instagram video, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg compared the current computing landscape to previous eras. He noted that while Apple's closed model prevailed in the mobile phone market, the PC era was dominated by a more open model. "In every era of computing, there are open and closed models... In the PC era, the open model won out," he said. Zuckerberg expressed hope that this open model would define future computing with metaverse technologies and headsets.
Meta partners with Lenovo, Microsoft, and ASUS
Meta has partnered with Lenovo, Microsoft, and ASUS's Republic of Gamers (ROG) to manufacture devices using the Meta Horizon OS. Lenovo will focus on creating mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment. ASUS ROG will develop a high-performance gaming headset. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox is collaborating with Meta to produce a limited-edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox.
Microsoft has already integrated its services with Meta's devices
Last year, Xbox collaborated with Meta to integrate its cloud gaming service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, into Meta Quest. In December 2023, Microsoft also introduced office productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to Meta Quest devices. Future plans include the addition of other apps such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint onto the platform. All these devices will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors which are closely integrated with Meta's software and hardware stacks.
Meta CTO says open ecosystems are a 'win for everyone'
Meta's CTO, Andrew Bosworth, shared on the Threads platform that more open ecosystems are a "win for everyone." He explained that with this approach, "People get more headsets to choose from, developers get a bigger pool of compatible hardware to build for." He emphasized the need for accessibility in building the most social platform. The Meta Horizon OS combines fundamental technologies of today's mixed reality experiences with features prioritizing social presence.
Meta renames Meta Quest Store to Meta Horizon Store
Meta is renaming the Meta Quest Store to the Meta Horizon Store and expanding ways developers can connect with consumers. The Meta Quest mobile companion app will also be rebranded as the Meta Horizon app. Developers will have the option to use popular tools they are already familiar with to bring their mobile apps to Meta Horizon OS. A new spatial app framework is being created by the company to assist mobile developers in crafting mixed reality experiences.
