Meta Opens Up Horizon OS: A New Era for Mixed Reality

Meta just made a big splash in the mixed reality (MR) world. They announced that they’re opening up the operating system that powers their Meta Quest devices (previously known as Oculus) to third-party hardware makers. This is a major move that will have significant implications for the future of MR technology.

Why Open Up the Ecosystem?

There are several reasons why Meta might be making this move. First, a more open ecosystem could lead to a wider variety of MR devices on the market. This would give consumers more choice and potentially drive down prices. Second, opening up the platform could make it easier for developers to create MR apps. With a larger potential audience, developers might be more incentivized to create innovative new experiences. Finally, a more open ecosystem could help to accelerate the development of MR technology as a whole. With more companies involved in the space, there will be more resources devoted to research and development.

What is Meta Horizon OS?

The new hardware ecosystem will run on Meta Horizon OS, which is the operating system that powers Meta Quest headsets. This OS is the culmination of years of investment by Meta in the underlying technologies that make MR possible. It includes features like inside-out tracking, self-tracked controllers, hand, eye, face, and body tracking, and high-resolution Passthrough technology. These features allow for more natural and immersive MR experiences.

A New Generation of Hardware

Several major companies are already jumping on board to develop new devices based on Meta Horizon OS. This includes ASUS, Lenovo, and even Xbox, which is collaborating with Meta to create a limited-edition Meta Quest. These new devices will benefit from Meta’s long-term partnership with Qualcomm, ensuring tight integration between hardware and software.

A Boon for Developers

Meta is also making it easier for developers to reach audiences with their MR apps. They’re removing barriers between the Meta Horizon Store (the official app store) and App Lab, which allows developers to release apps without going through a full review process. This will make it easier for smaller developers and more experimental apps to find users. Additionally, Meta is developing a new spatial app framework that will allow mobile developers to easily bring their apps to MR or create entirely new MR experiences.

The Future of Mixed Reality

Meta’s decision to open up its MR ecosystem is a big gamble, but it has the potential to pay off in a big way. By creating a more open and accessible platform, Meta could help to usher in a new era of MR innovation. This could lead to a wider variety of devices, more compelling apps, and ultimately, a more mainstream adoption of MR technology. The next few years will be interesting to watch as this new ecosystem takes shape.