Zuckerberg encourages companies to develop Meta-powered headsets

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, revealing that the company will be making its Meta Horizon operating system for AR/VR headsets open source. This move mirrors Google’s Android operating system, allowing third-party firms to utilize Meta Horizon as the software backbone for their own headsets.

In a statement on Instagram, Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of an open software model for the future of computing, particularly in the metaverse, glasses, and headsets. This decision marks a departure from Apple’s closed software model, which Zuckerberg has been critical of in the past.

Meta is already collaborating with tech giants like ASUS, Lenovo, and Microsoft on plans for future headsets, with more companies expected to join in the coming years. The goal is to develop headsets tailored for specific use cases, such as productivity work, entertainment, fitness, and gaming.

This move by Meta is reminiscent of Microsoft’s attempt to establish an AR/VR ecosystem with manufacturing partners in the past. However, the market for AR/VR headsets remains niche, with only a small percentage of teens using them on a daily basis.

As the AR/VR technology landscape continues to evolve, Meta’s decision to open source its operating system could pave the way for innovation and collaboration within the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.