Meta Opens Horizon OS to Third-Party Device Makers, Microsoft Announces Collaboration

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, unveiled on Monday the Meta Horizon OS, its mixed reality operating system, now available for use by third-party device manufacturers. 

Meta announced this in a blog post on Monday,   seeking to expand its presence in the virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) market. 

The Meta Horizon OS offers developers access to advanced technologies such as eye, face, hand, and body tracking, along with high-resolution passthrough capabilities. 

This open system paves the way for innovation and the development of new mixed-reality experiences. 

In a groundbreaking partnership, three major tech companies—Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft's Xbox division—have confirmed their plans to utilize the Meta Horizon OS for their upcoming devices. 

Microsoft, in particular, revealed its collaboration with Meta to create a "limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox." This collaboration underscores the growing convergence of gaming and mixed-reality technologies. 

Asus and Lenovo are also joining the fray with their respective headsets tailored for specific use cases. Asus aims to deliver an immersive gaming experience with its headset, while Lenovo focuses on enhancing productivity, learning, and entertainment. 

One of the key features of the Meta Horizon OS is its compatibility with the Meta Quest app on iOS and Android, allowing seamless connectivity across different devices. 

Additionally, the Meta Horizon Store, formerly known as the Meta Quest Store, is now open to third-party developers, enabling them to leverage Meta's frameworks and tools to create diverse mixed-reality content. 

The introduction of Meta Horizon OS comes amid intensifying competition in the VR/AR headset market, with Meta, Apple, and Sony vying for dominance. 

By opening its operating system to third-party manufacturers, Meta aims to foster innovation and collaboration while solidifying its position in the rapidly evolving VR/AR landscape.