Meta is signaling a major push towards mixed reality with a series of announcements aimed at gamers, professionals, and casual users alike. The company is partnering with established names in the industry to expand its hardware offerings and making significant changes to its software ecosystem to create a more open and accessible platform.
Gaming Gets a High-Performance Boost
For gamers, Meta is teaming up with the powerhouse ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand to develop a high-performance VR gaming headset powered by Meta’s new Horizon OS. This collaboration signifies Meta’s commitment to providing top-tier VR experiences, further fuelling the already thriving VR gaming community. Additionally, Meta is co-developing a special edition Meta Quest with Xbox, complete with Xbox controllers and Game Pass access. This Xbox-themed headset caters to existing Xbox fans looking to venture into VR gaming.
Beyond Gaming: VR for Work, Learning, and Entertainment
Beyond gaming, the company is partnering with Lenovo to create a new headset focused on productivity, learning, and entertainment. This broader application focus indicates Meta’s vision for VR extending beyond just leisure activities. The headset will run on Meta’s Horizon OS, showcasing the versatility of the platform.
Opening Up the Horizon: A More Accessible VR Ecosystem
In a major shift towards openness, Meta is loosening its grip on its ecosystem. The company is opening up Horizon OS to third-party developers, paving the way for a wider range of VR hardware options beyond Meta’s own devices. This fosters competition and innovation, ultimately benefiting users with a more diverse selection of VR experiences.
Content Freedom: Expanding User Choice
Furthermore, Meta is making it easier for users to access content. The company is merging the Meta Quest Store with the App Lab section to create a unified Meta Horizon Store. This simplifies content discovery for users. More importantly, Meta is loosening its policies to potentially allow users to access content from other storefronts like Steam. Additionally, the company is actively courting Google to bring the Play Store to Quest headsets. This openness to external content sources expands user choice and promotes a more vibrant VR content landscape.
The Future of Immersive Computing: Meta Makes its Play
Meta’s announcements paint a clear picture: the company is striving to be a frontrunner in the mixed reality and metaverse spaces. By partnering with industry leaders, opening its platform, and prioritising user access to a wider range of content, Meta is making a strategic move to shape the future of immersive computing.
Source: Meta Quest Blog Post
