In what appears like a strategic chess move in the heated VR/AR warfare, Meta has now made its Horizon Operating System available to third-party device makers – essentially opening up the gates to its ‘Meta-verse’. Here’s what this could mean for not just the tech giants, but also the smaller entities wanting a piece of the VR/AR pie.
1. A Look Behind The Horizon
Meta’s Horizon operating system is the invisible maestro that orchestrates the high-performance show in Meta Quest headsets. This OS serves as the critical foundation for these headsets’ immersive VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) experiences. Now, the reins of this OS are being handed to other device makers.
2. A Strategic Power Play
Considering the ongoing cutthroat competition between Meta, Apple and Sony in the VR/AR arena, this decision seems to be a calculated strategic move. Encouraging interoperability, Meta shifts the focus from singular brand supremacy to the growth and dynamism of the entire sector.
3. Amplifying the VR/AR Ecosystem
By extending Horizon OS to other manufacturers, Meta is not just bolstering the tech giants but potentially accelerating the overall growth of the VR/AR ecosystem. This also opens up possibilities for interesting collaborations between Meta and other tech firms, interlacing this ecosystem with cross-pollination of expertise.
4. Leveling The Playing Field
Imagine Asus or Lenovo, two key players in VR space, optimizing their devices with Meta’s open-source OS. This could give them the technological leapfrog they need to enhance their creations, driving them into bigger leagues, while also expanding the reach of Meta’s mixed-reality footprint.
5. What’s In It for Meta?
The benefits for Meta aren’t just altruistic – there’s a clear business acumen at play. By increasing adoption of its technology, Meta cements its role as an industry shaper and curates a larger user base for its innovative services.
6. The Potential Ripple Effect
The uncloaking of Horizon OS might set the ball rolling for other tech giants to follow Meta’s path. Large corporations sharing their successful tech might become the new norm, leading to a more vibrant, diverse and interconnected tech landscape.
To wrap it up, Meta’s decision to offer its Horizon OS to third-party device makers is a shrewd tactic that could potentially reshape the competitive dynamics of the VR/AR market. It’s a perfect example of how playing your cards right in tech can lead to significant market influence – not just for one, but for all.
Credit: BBC. TechCrunch, Reuters
