Asus and Lenovo Gear Up to Launch VR Headsets Powered by Meta Horizon
Meta today revealed a significant shift in its strategy for the Quest operating system, announcing plans to open it up to third-party manufacturers. This move is akin to transitioning from a closed, Apple-like ecosystem to a more inclusive, Android-style platform. The operating system will now be known as "Meta Horizon OS."
This change means that other companies can now develop their own headsets that will integrate with the Meta Horizon OS. These devices will connect through the existing Meta Quest app available on iOS and Android, which is also set to undergo a rebranding to align with the new Meta Horizon identity.
Among the first to join Meta in this new venture are Asus and Lenovo. Asus is reportedly developing a high-performance VR gaming headset under its Republic of Gamers label. Lenovo, which has previously partnered with Meta to create the Oculus Rift S, will continue to contribute to the ecosystem. Lenovo's future headsets are expected to enhance productivity, learning, and entertainment experiences for users. An Xbox-themed Meta Quest headset is also in the works. This limited edition device will feature design elements inspired by Xbox, with Microsoft playing some role in its development, although specific details remain sparse.
This pivot by Meta aims to diversify the VR landscape by involving a variety of hardware partners, potentially broadening the appeal and accessibility of virtual reality technology.