Meta Horizon OS is the new name Zuckerberg’s company has chosen to name the operating system that runs its Quest mixed reality device. In addition to the name, notice of opening of software to third partieswith confirmed big names like Microsoft, Lenovo or ASUS.

You already know how the VR/AR/MR sector is doing. In crude terms, and given the very high expectations, this group of technologies was a complete and utter fiasco. But new initiatives are underway that aim to change history. Like the one titled on the Meta Quest blog, “a new era for mixed reality”by announcing the opening of its system to third-party manufacturers, a new brand, and some changes in strategy and policy in the distribution of potentially significant software.

Meta Quest, the result of Facebook’s purchase of Oculus, along with the HTC Vive, are of little relevance in a market segment that hasn’t quite taken off. The entry of a giant like Apple with its Vision Pro increased interest in these technologies, but its crazy price, problems associated with the first generation and lack of software make it a device with very limited impact. We did it again just yesterday interest in Apple devices was declining. But Apple will surely introduce new, better and cheaper versions.

Meta Horizon OS, for Quest and third party manufacturers

And Meta, certainly the most important company in the sector, is preparing for it with very interesting announcements that will pit the open model against the very closed one from Apple. And Meta Horizon OS will be available for use by third-party manufacturers, which will undoubtedly open up a huge path for Meta Quest itself, wider target audience.

Meta virtual reality software is based on Google’s open source Android project, but includes a custom user interface optimized for headsets, an app store, and games for virtual and augmented reality. It also includes support for specific technologies of this market, the so-called location tracking, hands, face and eyes or technologies that allow us to see and interact with the real world through images sent from cameras to viewers.

Meta says so all these features will be available to third-party device manufacturers. As part of the changes, the company will rename the Meta Quest operating system and app stores to Meta Horizon OS and Meta Horizon Store. The accompanying mobile app will also be renamed Meta Horizon.

Confirmed devices

The first devices have already been confirmed. One will be the ROG-branded ASUS, which will be geared towards gaming, and the other will be the mixed-reality Lenovo, with a greater focus on productivity. The third one announced is perhaps the most interesting because Microsoft and Meta are also “We are working together to create a Limited edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox«. We don’t know what that will mean, but don’t forget that Meta Quest 3 supports Xbox games and supports Xbox Cloud Gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. And the point to highlight about Meta compared to Apple is its largest application library.

In terms of hardware, the chips are expected to be used by third-party devices first Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Qualcomm used in Meta Quest 3 because they are tightly integrated with the software and hardware packages and that “Companies building hardware for this new ecosystem can also take advantage of these chipsets and improve their own software”show from Meta.

Very, very interesting about this Meta Horizon OS and what its openness to third parties means. A new era of mixed reality? We’ll see.