We are opening our Meta operating system to third-party hardware makers, giving consumers more options and expanding the developer ecosystem. By partnering with leading technology companies, we aim to create a more open computing platform for the Metaverse and make app development and audience engagement easier than ever.
Introducing Meta Horizon OS
This new hardware ecosystem will use Meta Horizon OS, the mixed-reality operating system that powers our Meta Quest headsets. We picked this name to show our focus on people, connection, and the social network that brings everyone together. Meta Horizon OS brings together the main technologies behind today’s mixed reality experiences and adds features that make social presence a key part of the platform.
Meta Horizon OS is the result of 10 years of work at Meta to create a next-generation computing platform to lead the way in standalone headsets. We built technologies like inside-out tracking for more natural interactions and social presence. We developed eye, face, hand, and body tracking for mixed reality. We created a comprehensive set of tools to blend the digital and physical worlds, including high resolution, passthrough, scene interpretation, and spatial anchors. This long-term effort, which started with the Android open source project, has led to a mixed reality operating system now used by millions.
With Meta Horizon OS, developers and creators can unlock these exhilarating technologies using the custom frameworks and tools we designed for immersive mixed reality experiences. They can grow communities and businesses through content discovery and monetization features built into the OS such as the Meta Quest Store, which houses the world’s largest library of immersive apps and experiences. We’re excited to rename the Meta Horizon Store to reflect the vibrant future we’re building together.
The Horizon social layer that powers Meta Quest devices is now experiencing an exciting part of this new ecosystem. It enables people to bring their identities, avatars, and friend groups with them across virtual spaces and allows developers to infuse their apps with meaningful social features. Because this social layer weaves together different platforms, it empowers people to connect and spend time in virtual worlds using mixed reality, mobile, and desktop devices. Meta Horizon OS devices will also leverage the same mobile companion app that Meta Quest owners enjoy today, and which we’re excited to rename the Meta Horizon app.
A New Generation of Hardware
As the mixed reality market accelerates and people embrace it for gaming, entertainment, fitness, productivity, and social presence, exciting new possibilities are emerging for specialized hardware. Like with PCs and smartphones, consumers will benefit the most from a thriving range of hardware, from versatile models to focused devices, all powered by the same dynamic platform.
Top technology companies around the world are enthusiastically developing new devices using Meta Horizon OS:
- ASUS’s Republic of Gamers will use its first gaming expertise to create a new top-tier gaming headset.
- Lenovo is harnessing its experience co-designing the Oculus Lift S and its strong background in building devices like the ThinkPad laptops to deliver groundbreaking mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment.
- Last year, Xbox and Meta partnered to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) to Meta Quest, letting people enjoy Xbox games on an expansive 2D virtual screen in mixed reality. Now, we’re excited to join forces again to launch a limited edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox.
All of these innovative devices will benefit from our strong partnership with Qualcomm Technologies Inc., maker of Snapdragon processors that integrate seamlessly with our software and hardware. The latest Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform launching with Meta Quest 3 unlocks major new levels of mixed reality performance. Companies building for this vibrant new system ecosystem can tap into these advanced chipsets and custom software features.
A More Open App Ecosystem
As we open Meta Horizon OS to more device makers, we’re giving app developers easier ways to re-reach audiences. We’re merging the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab, so any developer meeting technical and content standards can launch software. Soon, App Lab titles will have their own section in the store, making them easier to find. Several popular apps like Gorilla Tag and Jib Class began in App Lab. We’re streamlining the process for developers to launch apps on our platform.
We are developing a new spatial app framework to help mobile developers build mixed reality experiences. To get started, visit our application page via the provided link and request access. Use the tools you already know to bring your apps to Meta Horizon OS or create new mixed reality apps.
Meta Horizon OS will have a more open app store. This gives people more ways to access apps. Users are not limited to our app store. They can enjoy content from services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Steam Link. They can also use Air Link to stream PC software to their headsets. We invite the Google Play 2D app store to join Meta Horizon OS with the same economic model it uses on other platforms.
Source: A New Era for Mixed Reality
