Meta has announced plans to open up its operating system, now named “Meta Horizon OS,” for third-party hardware and software development for its Quest line of mixed-reality devices. Alongside this change, the Quest Store will be rebranded as the “Meta Horizon Store.”
Meta has partnered with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox brand to develop new mixed and virtual reality devices using this platform.
Asus’s Republic of Gamers is developing a “performance gaming headset,” although specific details are currently limited. Lenovo, previously collaborated with Meta on Oculus Rift S headsets, will also be building devices based on Meta Horizon OS. Microsoft’s Xbox brand is set to release a limited-edition Xbox-themed Meta Quest headset, continuing their partnership that allows users to play Xbox games in a virtual reality environment.
Meta will introduce an “App Lab” to publish titles from smaller developers, akin to independent developer offerings in gaming storefronts. This initiative will remove barriers between the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab, allowing developers who meet basic requirements to release software on the platform. App Lab titles will be featured in a dedicated section of the store across all Meta devices, making them more accessible to larger audiences.