Meta Pauses Horizon OS Sharing with Third-Party Headsets

Meta Pauses Third-Party Horizon OS Program

Meta has announced a temporary halt to its initiative of distributing Meta Horizon OS – the operating system powering its Quest headsets – to external hardware manufacturers. This program was a key component of the company’s broader metaverse strategy.

The original intention was to foster the development of a “new generation of hardware,” providing virtual reality users with a wider selection of devices compatible with Meta’s digital environments.

Shift in Focus

According to a statement provided to TechCrunch, Meta is prioritizing the development of its own first-party hardware and software. “We have paused the program to focus on building the world-class first-party hardware and software needed to advance the VR market,” explained a Meta spokesperson.

The company remains dedicated to the long-term advancement of VR and will re-evaluate potential partnerships with third-party device makers as the market matures.

Initial Announcement and Partners

The initial announcement regarding the opening of Meta Horizon OS to third-party headset manufacturers was made last April.

At that time, companies such as Asus, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Lenovo were identified as being actively involved in creating new hardware designed to operate with Meta’s software.

Meta had previously stated that a diverse hardware ecosystem, similar to those seen in the PC and smartphone industries, would ultimately benefit consumers.

Limited Updates and Connect Event

Following the program’s announcement, updates regarding its progress were scarce.

During the company’s Connect event in September, a Meta representative indicated that collaboration with business partners to expand Horizon OS to additional devices was ongoing.

Horizon OS Features

Horizon OS was engineered to deliver immersive “mixed reality experiences.”

It aimed to enhance “social presence” through advanced technologies including hand, body, eye, and facial tracking.

The operating system’s launch coincided with a period when Mark Zuckerberg strongly believed the metaverse represented the future direction of the company.

The Rise of AI and Potential Budget Cuts

However, Meta and its leadership have demonstrated a decreasing emphasis on the metaverse in recent times, with a growing focus on artificial intelligence.

Reports from Bloomberg earlier this month suggested potential budgetary reductions of up to 30% within the metaverse group inside Reality Labs, Meta’s VR and AR hardware division.

Meta subsequently confirmed plans to reallocate investment, prioritizing AI glasses and wearables due to the increasing momentum in that area.

This shift indicates a strategic realignment within the company, potentially impacting the future of the Horizon OS third-party program.