Meta is pausing its dream of sharing Quest’s Horizon OS with third-party headset makers

Meta has announced a pause in its initiative to share the Meta Horizon OS—a mixed reality operating system designed for its Quest headsets—with external hardware manufacturers. This decision is a significant part of the company's evolving strategy in the metaverse landscape. The original goal of the program was to cultivate a diverse array of devices that would allow virtual reality enthusiasts to explore Meta's immersive digital environments. A spokesperson from Meta shared with TechCrunch that the company is refocusing its efforts on developing first-party hardware and software that will enhance the virtual reality market. "We’re committed to this for the long term and will revisit opportunities for third-party device partnerships as the category evolves," they stated. This development comes after Meta had previously announced last April that it would make Horizon OS accessible to third-party manufacturers, including companies like Asus, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Lenovo, to foster the creation of new hardware utilizing its software. At the time, Meta emphasized that a diverse hardware ecosystem, akin to what's seen in the PC and smartphone markets, benefits consumers. Despite the initial enthusiasm, updates regarding the partner program have been sparse. During Meta's Connect event in September, a spokesperson mentioned ongoing collaboration with business partners to expand the reach of Horizon OS. The operating system aims to provide rich mixed reality experiences, leveraging advanced technologies for hand, body, eye, and facial tracking. However, the focus on the metaverse appears to be waning, particularly as Meta shifts its attention towards artificial intelligence. Recent reports indicate that the metaverse division within Reality Labs, which oversees VR and AR hardware, may face budget cuts of up to 30%. Meta has confirmed plans to redirect some of its investments from the metaverse towards AI-driven glasses and wearable technologies, reflecting a significant pivot in the company’s strategic priorities.