Meta is making big changes to its software platform, rebranding it from Quest to Meta Horizon OS and allowing third-party headset makers to use it. These headsets will have access to Meta’s tracking and mixed reality technology, along with the Meta Horizon Store. Two companies, ASUS and Lenovo, have already announced plans to release headsets running Meta Horizon OS.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions different types of headsets optimized for specific uses, such as gaming or entertainment. Additionally, Meta is collaborating with Microsoft’s Xbox division to create a special edition Meta Quest headset with Xbox branding.
This move by Meta comes after Google tried to convince them to switch to its upcoming Android XR platform, but Meta declined. Samsung is the first hardware maker to adopt Android XR, with Google attempting to attract other companies. With Meta securing partnerships with major companies, Google’s plans in the XR space may face challenges.
The competition between Meta and Google for third-party hardware makers may shape the future of XR platforms. Only time will tell if Meta or Google will emerge as the dominant force in the XR world.
Vocabulary List:
- Rebranding (noun): The process of giving a product or organization a new image or identity.
- Optimized (adjective): Made as perfecteffectiveor functional as possible.
- Collaborating (verb): Working together on a project or activity.
- Securing (verb): Protecting or making something safe and certain.
- Dominant (adjective): More powerfulimportantor influential than others.
- Challenges (noun): Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome.
