Meta opens Horizon OS to third-party XR headsets
Meta, the company behind the Quest line of mixed reality devices, announced that it is opening up its operating system to third-party hardware and software development. The move aims to create a more open computing platform for the metaverse and provide consumers with more choices in the mixed reality space.
Partnerships with leading technology companies have been formed to make this vision a reality. Partners include Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox brand. Each partner will work with Meta to develop their own mixed reality devices leveraging Meta Horizon OS.
The details of the collaboration are as follows:
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Asus: Asus’ Republic of Gamers is developing a high-performance gaming headset. Specific details about the headset are limited, but it is expected to prioritize high-definition audio and video, with a focus on multiplayer connectivity.
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Lenovo: Chinese tech giant Lenovo previously collaborated with Meta to develop the Oculus Rift S headset. Now they will leverage their expertise to create mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment.
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Microsoft’s Xbox: Meta and Xbox have teamed up to create a limited edition Xbox-inspired Meta Quest headset. This collaboration builds on a previous partnership that allowed users to play Xbox games on 2D virtual screens within the Quest environment.
This collaboration will expand the range of mixed reality devices available to consumers, catering to a variety of use cases including gaming, productivity and entertainment. Meta Horizon OS serves as the base operating system for these devices and provides access to technologies such as eye, face, hand, and body tracking and high-resolution passthrough.
Meta Horizon OS is the result of Meta’s 10 years of investment in mixed reality technology. It combines core technologies for mixed reality experiences with a suite of features that prioritize social presence. Meta Horizon OS’s social layer allows people’s identities, avatars, social graphs, and friend groups to move seamlessly through virtual spaces, sharing experiences across a variety of devices.
Developers and creators can leverage the technologies provided by Meta Horizon OS to create mixed reality experiences. You can also leverage content discovery and monetization platforms built into the operating system, such as Meta Horizon Store.
In addition to working with hardware partners, Meta is also working to expand the app ecosystem of Meta Horizon OS. By removing the barriers between the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab, we’re making it easier for developers to release software on our platform. Meta is also developing a new spatial app framework to help mobile developers create mixed reality experiences.
Image source: Shutterstock
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