Meta is ready to partner with more hardware brands to help them make affordable mixed reality (XR) headsets to give Apple a tough run in the market. Mark Zuckerberg is ready to put the Horizon OS on other third-party devices, similar to Microsoft’s approach with Windows OS over the years. Meta realises that competing with Apple is unlikely to give it high volumes, even though its revenues could get a boost.
But the Windows-like route could be a better strategy for the company, which we are seeing now. The company is not giving up on the XR ecosystem which it has called metaverse for a long time. And somewhere, its renewed impetus has been bolstered by Apple’s entry into the market, giving it more credence than before.
The Meta chief is hopeful that Apple’s launch in this segment gets more people’s attention and also gives a new lease of life to a stagnating category. In fact, reports say, Zuckerberg hopes that Quest can become the ‘Android of AR and VR market’ which is an interesting way of looking at Apple’s push in the mixed reality segment.
Apple’s Vision Pro is priced in the upper echelon of the segment, leaving a lot of space in the mass market where Meta wants to dabble with the help of other manufacturers. The likes of Lenovo and Asus have already signed up to use the Horizon OS on their own Quest-like headsets, which should be seen in the near future.
It makes sense for Meta to take the Android/ Windows strategy for this segment and look to impose itself as a solid second option for millions, especially those who don’t or can’t spend over 2.5 lakh on Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Zuckerberg is also hoping for Google to bring the Play Store to the XR ecosystem on the Quest series, which will further amplify its reach, interest among developers and help with the cost of economics as the product price comes drastically down.
All these will be the perfect ingredients to make it a viable product fit in countries like India where Quest is not officially available. Imagine if the Quest headset can launch for under $200 (Rs 16,500 approx) which not only gives the segment a fresh focus but also appeals to a wider range of buyers.
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