Meta Revolutionizes VR Industry with Meta Horizon Platform

Meta, the company behind VR headsets, is changing its strategy by opening up its VR operating system to other developers. This shift is marked by the renaming of the platform to Meta Horizon Platform, which will also lead to a change in the companion app's name. Partnering with companies like Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft, Meta plans to develop new VR headsets powered by the Meta Horizon Platform, with different focuses such as gaming and productivity. This decision signals a departure for Meta as it relinquishes control over its VR ambitions and aims to enhance its VR app store, urging Google to bring the Play 2D app store to the platform. Despite challenges, Meta remains committed to leading in the VR and XR field amid growing competition.

Key Takeaways

• Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is opening up its VR operating system to other developers, which is reflected in the name change to Meta Horizon Platform.
• The company is partnering with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft to create VR headsets using the Meta Horizon Platform, targeting gaming, productivity, and an Xbox-themed limited edition.
• Meta's strategic shift marks a departure from its previous closed model, aiming to maintain dominance in the VR and XR field amidst competition from companies like Apple.
• The company is simplifying the discovery of experimental App Lab titles and pushing for the arrival of the Play 2D app store on its Meta Horizon Platform, which runs on the Android OS.
• Despite a significant operating loss in its Reality Labs division, Meta remains committed to leading in VR and avoiding third-party fees, potentially monetizing through services and ads.

Analysis

Meta's decision to open up its VR operating system and collaborate with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft marks a strategic shift that could have considerable implications. This move may impact Meta's control over its VR ambitions and its app store, ultimately affecting its competitiveness in the VR and XR space. By partnering with major tech players, Meta aims to tap into new markets and boost its VR offerings, potentially altering the dynamics of the VR headset market. Additionally, the company's endeavor to simplify app discovery and integrate the Play 2D app store signals its determination to expand its ecosystem. However, the shift could lead to increased competition for Meta, particularly from rivals like Apple, and may necessitate a robust monetization strategy to counter operating losses.

Did You Know?

• Meta Horizon Platform:

  • Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is rebranding its VR operating system to Meta Horizon Platform and opening it up to other developers. This shift in strategy marks a departure from its previous closed model and aims to enhance its VR app store, urging Google to bring the Play 2D app store to the platform. The company is partnering with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft to develop new VR headsets powered by the Meta Horizon Platform, targeting gaming, productivity, and an Xbox-themed limited edition.

• Partnership with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft for VR Headsets:

  • Meta is collaborating with leading technology companies, including Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft, to create VR headsets using the Meta Horizon Platform. These headsets will have different focuses such as gaming, productivity, and an Xbox-themed limited edition. This strategic move highlights Meta's commitment to leading in the VR and XR field amidst growing competition, particularly from companies like Apple.

• Challenges and Commitment to VR Leadership:

  • Despite facing a significant operating loss in its Reality Labs division, Meta remains committed to leading in VR and avoiding third-party fees, potentially monetizing through services and ads. This demonstrates the company's determination to maintain dominance in the VR and XR field and its confidence in overcoming challenges to achieve its strategic objectives.