Meta suspends third-party VR headsets using the Horizon OS operating system indefinitely “to focus on building world-class proprietary hardware and software necessary to grow the VR market”

It looks like we won’t be getting a Horizon OS-powered VR headset from Asus, Lenovo, or any other manufacturer. The meta has, for now, killed the program that was supposed to see it all.

“We have paused the program to focus on developing world-class proprietary hardware and software needed to grow the VR market,” a Meta spokesperson said. The road to VR.

“We are committed to this for the long term and as the category evolves, we will reconsider third-party device partnership opportunities.”

In April 2024, Meta said it was allowing third-party manufacturers to utilize the operating system used in its Quest headsets, called Horizon OS. This would allow these companies to utilize the storefront, software and support used in the Quest 3 and Quest 3S.

Overall, it was largely considered a good move at the time. More options, more flexibility, and almost certainly a more powerful VR gaming headset. In fact, Asus has already signed up as an early adopter and is reportedly working on a ROG-branded headset that would focus on gaming performance. Asus co-CEO SY Hsu said at the time that it would build a “next-generation gaming headset.”

Lenovo is also said to have entered the program with a much less stimulating productivity-focused project. As I said back then, “yuck”, but everyone has their own opinion.

However, this should not be the case. At least not now. From what Meta mentioned in Road to VR, it wants to keep its VR division solely under its own control. Her rationale is something like “because it’s in the interest of VR,” but I’m not sure I agree with that assessment. Perhaps Meta is being cautious about handing over Horizon OS keys while they belong to Google Android XR is on top. Or maybe Meta is afraid of Steam Frame and is pumping money into third-party headsets that might run SteamOS in the future.

It is a pity, however, that the program will not be continued. I really wanted to get my hands on a high-end ROG Quest-a-like. Put the Horizon OS, along with all the games and apps associated with it, on a headset equipped with the latest Snapdragon chip and a gorgeous screen like micro-OLED, and you’ve got quite an attractive combination. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case.

Well, Steam Frame is almost ready – and I’ve been using it – instead, I’m putting all my hopes and dreams on it.