Asus is creating the VR 'gaming headset of the next generation' built on Meta Horizon OS
The operating system powering Meta's Quest headsets is going to be released to third-party hardware makers. The newly-named Meta Horizon OS is built on the foundations laid for today's most popular VR headsets, and includes new tools and frameworks for utilising features we've come to expect from Quest headsets into new, original designs. And if you're wondering who's signed up to make a brand new Horizon OS-powered headset, Asus and Lenovo are already onboard.
Features of Meta Horizon OS
What's included in Meta Horizon OS? Just about everything embedded into the software of the popular Quest 3, including inside-out tracking, high-resolution passthrough, and Spatial Anchors, which are a way for Meta's Quest headset to 'lock-in' on real-world reference points.
Whether access to these features in the OS translates into new headsets with specifications and features to match the Quest 3 will depend on how other manufacturers set up their own devices.
Asus ROG VR Headset
Asus has plans to produce an ROG branded VR headset that focuses on gaming performance. It will utilize the new Meta Horizon OS to some degree and will likely be built using Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. This collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. will benefit from Snapdragon processors tightly integrated with the software and hardware stacks.
Essentially, this OS is built for Qualcomm's own brand of Arm chip. There are expectations for full support on PC including via SteamVR.
How this new ROG VR headset will look is anyone's guess. Though if you were to picture a beefed up Quest 3 with more angular styling and RGB lighting, you're probably not too far off the end product.
"We’ve been inspired by the incredible gaming community that has formed around virtual and mixed reality, and we know that the most passionate gamers want high-performance hardware," says S.Y Hsu, co-CEO of Asus. "With Meta Horizon OS, Asus and Republic of Gamers will build the gaming headset of the next generation."
Lenovo's VR Headset
Lenovo's upcoming device is initially less attractive sounding to gaming enthusiasts, being primarily billed for productivity, learning, and entertainment. With Lenovo's recent success in gaming laptops and handheld gaming PCs, there is potential for a more gaming-oriented approach to a VR headset as well.
Meta's Commitment to VR
Meta seems committed to opening up its VR software to others, coinciding with Zuckerberg's announcement of funding open-source AI. This shift comes after the company's decision to remove the mandatory login on Quest 2, showing a willingness to collaborate with other companies using Meta's platform.
Conclusion
As Asus and Lenovo gear up to introduce new VR headsets powered by Meta Horizon OS, the future of virtual reality gaming looks promising. With advancements in technology and collaborations with industry leaders, the VR landscape is set to offer immersive experiences to gamers worldwide.
