Meta places third-party VR headsets utilizing Horizon OS on indefinite pause 'to give attention to constructing the world-class first-party {hardware} and software program wanted to advance the VR market'
Appears to be like like we can’t be getting our fingers on a Horizon OS-powered VR headset made by Asus, Lenovo, or another producer for that matter. Meta has killed, in the intervening time, this system that was to see all of it occur.
“We’ve paused this system to give attention to constructing the world-class first-party {hardware} and software program wanted to advance the VR market”, a Meta spokesperson mentioned to Highway To VR.
“We’re dedicated to this for the long run and can revisit alternatives for Third-party system partnerships because the class evolves.”
Altogether, it was largely seen on the time to be a superb transfer. Extra choices, extra flexibility, and nearly actually a extra highly effective VR headset for gaming. In truth, Asus had already signed on as an early adopter and was mentioned to be engaged on an ROG-branded headset that will be centered on gaming efficiency. Asus co-CEO, S.Y Hsu, mentioned on the time that it will construct “the gaming headset of the subsequent technology.”
Lenovo was additionally mentioned to be signed as much as this system with a far much less thrilling productivity-first design. As I mentioned on the time, “yuck”, however every to their very own.
Nevertheless, it is to not be. At the least not proper now. From what Meta talked about to Highway to VR, it’s eager to maintain its VR division solely below its personal management. Its reasoning is kind of ‘as a result of that is within the pursuits of VR’, however I am undecided I agree with that evaluation. Possibly Meta is cautious of handing over the keys to Horizon OS whereas Google’s Android XR is on the prowl. Or maybe Meta is petrified of the Steam Body and pumping cash into third-party headsets that would find yourself operating SteamOS in future.
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It is a disgrace that this system will not go forward, although. I used to be eager to get my fingers on a high-end ROG Quest-a-like. Jam Horizon OS, and all of the video games and apps that go along with it, onto a headset powered by the newest Snapdragon chip and a beautiful display screen, like a micro-OLED, and you’ve got a reasonably engaging mixture. Alas, it wasn’t to be.
Ah properly, the Steam Body is almost right here—and I’ve used it—I am going to pin all my hopes and desires on that as an alternative.
