Meta Joins Microsoft To Launch Quest Gaming Headset Inspired By Xbox

Meta has announced that its OS powering the Meta Quest devices will now be available for third-party hardware makers. Dubbed Meta Horizon OS, the operating system will enable other device makers to make devices running on it.

“We’re working with leading global technology companies to bring this new ecosystem to life and making it even easier for developers to build apps and reach their audiences on the platform,” said Meta.

One of the biggest names Meta is working with to launch a limited-edition product is Microsoft. “We’re working together again to create a limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox,” Meta confirmed in a blog post. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in an Instagram, wrote that the Xbox-inspired version of its headset will come with “Xbox controllers and Game Pass, so you can immediately just start playing on a big screen anywhere you go.”

Also Read: Microsoft Wants To Join Forces With Samsung To Boost AI Capability

Microsoft Joins Meta To Offer Mixed Reality Gaming Headset

Microsoft had its mixed reality unit but it was shut down in December last year. What’s more interesting is that it started in 2017 as a rival to Oculus, which Meta bought over.

Meanwhile, Microsoft isn’t the only firm Meta might be looking to join forces with. The social media giant has confirmed that companies like Lenovo and Asus will be making their own mixed-reality devices for gaming, entertainment, and learning.

“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. With Meta Horizon OS, ASUS and Republic of Gamers will build the gaming headset of the next generation,” S Y Hsu, co-CEO, ASUS.

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Meta Quest Users Will Be Able To Stream 8K YouTube Videos

Google has been heavily focusing on its YouTube VR updates, and its latest update on the Meta Quest platform will allow users to watch 8K SDR videos. For users on the  YouTube VR app version 1.54 or higher, non-HDR videos that go up to 8K should allow them to play at full resolution.

It's imperative to understand that YouTube doesn’t offer a lot of 8K content currently, but the number of 8K videos on the platform has seen steady growth. Users who wish to see some 360-degree 8K videos, can check out videos from Hugh Hou on his channel, as currently, 8K 360-degree content is hard to find on the platform.

The new update comes after Google updated YouTube VR for the release of the Meta Quest 3, which now supports a tablet mode that users can watch videos while still being able to see the world around them, using the headset’s advanced mixed reality cameras.