Zuckerberg wants more companies to build headsets with Meta technology

Meta (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg is taking a page out of Google’s Android playbook by announcing Monday that his company will make its Meta Horizon operating system for AR/VR headsets open source. The move means third-party companies will now be able to use Meta Horizon as the software base for their own headsets.

Zuckerberg announced the change via Instagramsaying that the next era of computing should be powered by an open software model.

“Our goal is to make the open model once again define the next generation of computing with the metaverse, glasses and headsets,” said Zuckerberg. “That’s why we’re releasing our operating system so that more companies can build different things on it.”

Google’s Android operating system (GOOG, GOOGL) is considered an open software model because it allows users to install third-party applications, albeit through a complicated and annoying process. Windows PCs and Apple Macs (AAPL) also offer open software models, allowing you to download and install any app you want.

Apple’s iPhone, iPad, Watch, and Vision Pro, however, are closed, meaning you can only install software from Apple’s App Store. It’s worth noting that Zuckerberg has a long-standing dislike of Apple and its closed software model. The CEO has repeatedly criticized the company for not allowing certain app features on the iPhone and for introducing privacy options that cut off Meta’s ability to capture user data.

Zuckerberg said Meta is already working with ASUS, Lenovo and Microsoft (MSFT) on plans for future headsets, with more companies to follow. However, he also highlighted that it will likely take a few years for the headphones to hit the market.

The plan, so far, appears to be for Meta’s partners to develop headsets for specific use cases. Meta currently offers its Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

In his Instagram post, Zuckerberg pointed out one example of a lightweight headset that could be paired with a computer on your desk dedicated to productive work, while another could focus on watching movies and videos and be equipped with high-resolution OLED screens.

He also covered ideas for fitness-focused headphones built with lightweight, sweat-wicking materials, as well as an Xbox-style headset that connects to Microsoft’s Game Pass service and a controller to let gamers play games. wherever they want.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a company try to build an AR/VR ecosystem with third-party manufacturing partners. Microsoft also attempted to launch its now-defunct Windows Mixed Reality platform with manufacturing partners such as ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung building headsets powered by the software.

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The headset never caught on, and Microsoft is now ready to remove the platform entirely from Windows 11’s next major update.

The AR/VR headset market is still a relatively niche technology segment, even among teenagers. According to Piper Sandler’s latest survey, Taking Stock with Teens, 33% of teens surveyed own a VR device, but only 4% use it daily. Another 13% said they use their headphones weekly, while a whopping 56% said they rarely use them. What’s more, 32% of teens said they are not interested and have no plans to buy headphones.

Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.

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