Meta has introduced that its Meta Horizon OS will not be unique to its Quest headsets (such because the unimaginable Meta Quest 3), and this may be an important information we’ll see within the XR house this decade.
It’s an announcement I’ve been anticipating for years – for causes I’ll define under – however the quick model is Meta has began to show its Horizon OS into the Windows of the spatial computing period; it’s even full with a rival Apple OS (the Apple Vision Pro’s VisionOS) and a touch of irony given one of many first three non-Quest methods will likely be Xbox branded (Xbox is Microsoft’s gaming division for these not within the know).
This means massive issues for us customers, {hardware} makers, and VR recreation and app creators alike. But whereas this announcement is probably going larger than any Quest {hardware} announcement Meta may make – like a Meta Quest Pro 2 or Meta Quest 3 Lite reveal – it’d find yourself being a double-edged sword.
To get you in control, a Meta blog post has revealed that three third-party firms are engaged on units constructed utilizing Meta Horizon OS. Those are ASUS, Lenovo and the aforementioned Xbox.
From this announcement alone it seems like we’re getting three very totally different items of {hardware}, with a “performance gaming headset,” “mixed reality devices for productivity,” and a extra Quest-like headset being promised by the three firms respectively.
For me, that is the very best factor about Horizon OS being opened as much as third-parties: {hardware} variety. Rather than having to place up with the 2 Quest varieties – that are the common budget-friendly line, and the high-end, productivity-centric Pro line – different manufacturers can discover various kinds of headset to swimsuit a broader vary of wants whereas nonetheless providing entry to the Horizon OS: the very best standalone XR headset OS.
I say that due to Horizon OS’ wonderful choice of digital and blended actuality video games and apps, in addition to its stable function set, and its basic ease of use. Compared to others I’ve tried from the likes of HTC and Pico, Horizon OS is a transparent reduce above.
There’s additionally a bonus within the type of you now getting a cross-hardware library. Currently, if you wish to transition to a brand new VR headset from a special model you’ve beforehand needed to say goodbye to your recreation and app assortment.
Now, if you happen to decide up a Quest headset and resolve you wish to get a extra specialist gaming machine you possibly can go for Asus’s upcoming high-end VR gaming {hardware} with out the chance of dropping your digital library – as a substitute, you’ll be able to kickstart your new gaming expertise with an entire suite of your favourite titles.
It additionally makes it simpler for VR software program creators to get their apps into extra gamers’ arms. Rather than having to dedicate sources to a number of totally different OS’, they will construct one Horizon OS construct that may be loved by an enormous choice of gamers throughout a variety of various units – just like how one Android app may be downloaded on an entire host of various telephones.
This Horizon OS announcement looks like an enormous win for VR accessibility, and giving individuals entry to the {hardware} they really crave slightly than forcing them to make do with what’s on the market.
But why is Meta sharing its OS after years of exclusivity?
Cash is king
Well, the quick reply is cash, and whereas I’m not personally invested in Meta’s monetary efficiency (and I anticipate a lot of you aren’t both) Quest customers do have a purpose for caring in regards to the profitability of Meta’s Reality Labs division.
It’s an open secret that Reality Labs has been hemorrhaging money. In the latest earnings report on the time of writing, Meta stated its Reality Labs had an working lack of $4.65 billion (by way of CNBC) – and in whole it’s misplaced over $42 billion for the reason that finish of 2020 which is when figures turned publicly accessible.
While Mark Zuckerberg, and Meta executives appear to have religion that digital actuality is the long run – and seem like banking on these present losses turning into income and market domination down the road – there’s solely so lengthy that shareholders will likely be content material with the poor efficiency of some Meta divisions hampering the dividends they obtain.
Combine that with AI and different seemingly extra worthwhile ventures rearing their heads, there’s a non-zero probability that Meta may reduce Reality Lab’s XR improvement, and even scrap it altogether to focus funds in different areas – which might kill Quest {hardware} and the metaverse for good.
By licensing its Horizon OS to different firms for a payment, Meta and Reality Labs can begin to reduce these losses – shopping for the division extra time within the eyes of shareholders and protecting Quest {hardware} alive for just a little longer.
Obviously, it’s but to be seen if this tactic will work. It may backfire and kill Quest anyway if a special {hardware} makes use of Horizon OS with a extra thrilling piece of VR {hardware}, however frankly, that is a Meta difficulty – if we’re getting nice VR headsets, who cares who’s making them?
Though that’s to not say Meta’s Horizon OS sharing received’t backfire for us in different methods.
The ugly aspect
Do we actually desire a ‘Windows’ of the XR house?
Windows is likely one of the most – if not essentially the most – despised items of software program on the market. Just take a look at our Windows 11 protection and also you’ll see article after article complaining about points with the software program. And Windows points have existed for generations of the OS, but we maintain shopping for Windows machines – as of March 2024, 72.52% of desktop computer systems and laptops use Windows.
Because, what’s the choice?
Sure you possibly can bounce ship to MacOS however it’s not excellent itself with its personal occasional bugs, dear {hardware}, and incapability to run plenty of common software program. Chrome OS additionally runs into those self same software program incompatibility points, and others like Linux and Ubuntu are removed from approachable if you happen to’re not tech-savvy.
The lack of competitors caused by Windows’ domination has undoubtedly performed an element within the OS’ issues and a basic lack of really thrilling innovation within the laptop OS house. As increasingly more {hardware} makers companion with Meta, we would see Horizon OS undertake this ugly aspect of Windows.
Apple’s Vision Pro, the Samsung XR headset (which I anticipate Google to deal with the OS aspect of issues for given it is introduced as an official companion for the headset), and HTC’s standalone VR units are simply among the manufacturers that ought to function competitors to Horizon OS – to not point out PC VR {hardware} from the likes of Pimax and others – and hopefully they’ll assist to maintain issues thrilling.
But solely time will inform if Meta will comply with Microsoft‘s Windows and mimic its points, or dodge its failings.