Meta Opens Quest Operating System To Third-Party Device Makers (reuters.com) 9
Similar to the way Google makes its mobile OS Android open source, Meta announced it is opening up its Quest headset's operating system to rival device makers. Reuters reports: The move will allow partner companies to build their headsets using Meta Horizon OS, a rebranded operating system that brings capabilities like gesture recognition, passthrough, scene understanding and spatial anchors to the devices that run on it, the company said in a blog post. The social media company said partners Asus and Lenovo would use the operating system to build devices tailored for particular activities. Meta is also using it to make a limited edition version of the Quest headset "inspired by" Microsoft's Xbox gaming console, according to the company's statement. [...]
In a video posted on Zuckerberg's Instagram account, he previewed examples of specialized headsets partners might make: a lightweight device with sweat-wicking materials for exercise, an immersive high-resolution one for entertainment and another equipped with sensation-inducing haptics for gaming. Meta said in its blog post that ASUS' Republic of Gamers is developing a gaming headset and Lenovo is working on an MR device for productivity, learning, and entertainment using the Horizon OS. Zuckerberg said it may take a few years for these devices to launch. [...] Meta said the Meta Horizon OS includes Horizon Store, renamed from Quest Store, to download apps and experiences. The platform will work with a mobile companion app now called Meta Horizon app. While Google is reportedly working on an Android platform for VR and MR devices, Meta has called on Google to bring the Play Store to Quest, saying: "Because we don't restrict users to titles from our own app store, there are multiple ways to access great content on Meta Horizon OS, including popular gaming services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or through Steam Link or our Air Link system for wirelessly streaming PC software to headsets. And we encourage the Google Play 2D app store to come to Meta Horizon OS, where it can operate with the same economic model it does on other platforms."
"Should Google bring the Play Store to Horizon OS, Meta says Google would be able to operate it on the 'same economic model' as it does on Android," notes 9to5Google. "In theory, that could actually represent a better payout for developers compared to what's been reported for Meta's store, but Meta does specifically say '2D app store,' implying VR/XR apps wouldn't be in the Play Store on Horizon OS."
In a video posted on Zuckerberg's Instagram account, he previewed examples of specialized headsets partners might make: a lightweight device with sweat-wicking materials for exercise, an immersive high-resolution one for entertainment and another equipped with sensation-inducing haptics for gaming. Meta said in its blog post that ASUS' Republic of Gamers is developing a gaming headset and Lenovo is working on an MR device for productivity, learning, and entertainment using the Horizon OS. Zuckerberg said it may take a few years for these devices to launch. [...] Meta said the Meta Horizon OS includes Horizon Store, renamed from Quest Store, to download apps and experiences. The platform will work with a mobile companion app now called Meta Horizon app. While Google is reportedly working on an Android platform for VR and MR devices, Meta has called on Google to bring the Play Store to Quest, saying: "Because we don't restrict users to titles from our own app store, there are multiple ways to access great content on Meta Horizon OS, including popular gaming services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or through Steam Link or our Air Link system for wirelessly streaming PC software to headsets. And we encourage the Google Play 2D app store to come to Meta Horizon OS, where it can operate with the same economic model it does on other platforms."
"Should Google bring the Play Store to Horizon OS, Meta says Google would be able to operate it on the 'same economic model' as it does on Android," notes 9to5Google. "In theory, that could actually represent a better payout for developers compared to what's been reported for Meta's store, but Meta does specifically say '2D app store,' implying VR/XR apps wouldn't be in the Play Store on Horizon OS."
nah why waste time and resources (Score:2)
So how hard can it be (Score:2)
to patch the metastasis out of the system and actually own it?
Anything for... (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
I'm gonna want something Linux-based, and then it's not going to be all GPLv3. Otherwise, I'm happy to agree.
The fewer platforms I have to learn, the better.
Again? (Score:2)
It seems like they did this only yesterday. https://tech.slashdot.org/stor... [slashdot.org]
OS is the worst part of quest (Score:2)
The OS is the worst part of Meta Quest. It has to be rebooted often or it gets frame drops or outright freezes. Our house reboots every time you use it just to be safe. Whenever you switch accounts it forgets your home environment and your boundary. Lots of features look like they are untested experiments because the UI makes no sense. (ex: It displays instructions right over top of the things you need to click on). The browser is flaky.
Great hardware, awful OS.
Scared of Apple (Score:2)
They saw how "together" Apple is with their hardware, software, Dev. Tools, and App Store, and figured they'd better get on the stick!
But, their thirst for data sucking and privacy exploitation will color everything they do; with floating ads, usage-and-location-reporting, etc. So, in the end, it will be as craptastic and tawdry as ever.
Couple that with their price-point-restricted sucky hardware, and you can easily predict the outcome.
Privacy concerns, no thank you (Score:1)
Hopefully you will be able to install an alternate OS on these devices.
My child was reported in a game because someone didn't believe they were of age (or they were pissed off at losing in a game) and now we are forced to validate my child's age by submitting a scan of their identification information to Meta.
If we don't do this, they will delete the account and all purchases.
Fuck this platform.
FWIW this was a sub-account of my primary parental account, and it was created properly with correct information.
How this went... (Score:2)
"Open it up to third party budget gear where the user can assume the screen looks like crap because they bought a piece of crap?
"YEEESSS! Do that!"
"Should be also hire devs and artists that don't cost $70 billion and the end result looks like a high school 3D design project?"
"That's ridiculous! You're fired!"