Meta to License Quest Headset Software to Third-Party Hardware Manufacturers

Meta’s decision to license the software underpinning its Quest headsets to third-party hardware manufacturers is set to shake up the mixed-reality technology market. The move, aimed at spurring wider adoption of mixed-reality technology, will allow hardware makers to access Meta’s Horizon OS, the operating system used in Quest devices.

By providing access to Horizon OS, Meta hopes to reduce barriers to market for hardware makers and create a larger audience for mixed-reality apps in its Horizon app store. This strategic shift is expected to diversify Meta’s hardware ecosystem and establish Horizon OS as the standard mixed-reality headset OS.

Several companies, including Lenovo, Asus, and Microsoft’s Xbox gaming business, have already lined up to incorporate Horizon OS into their hardware. Lenovo will focus on productivity, learning, and development, while Asus and Xbox will target the gaming market.

Analysts believe that Meta’s move to open its OS to others in the market is a smart strategy to build on its early dominance in the AR/VR market and lower the barrier for entry to hardware makers. By following a similar playbook to Google’s Android platform, Meta aims to drive customer adoption and compete with rivals like Apple and Google in the mixed-reality space.

Despite facing competition from Apple and Google, Meta’s early investment in mixed-reality technologies and strong library of 3D apps give it an advantage in the market. The decision to provide access to its OS could further solidify Meta’s position and benefit both consumers and enterprise users.

Overall, the push for an open ecosystem in the mixed-reality technology market is expected to benefit everyone involved, with increased competition leading to more innovation and better products for end users.