In a significant move for the virtual reality (VR) market, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced partnerships with major hardware companies including Lenovo, Microsoft, and Asus. The objective is to collaborate on the development of VR headsets utilizing Meta's own operating system, Meta Horizon.

This strategic decision by Meta aims to create a new line of hardware devices that will run on the same operating system and software as Meta's existing first-party VR hardware, such as the popular Quest 3 and Quest Pro. The endeavor further solidifies the fault lines within the VR hardware market, particularly after Apple released its high-ticket item, the Vision Pro VR headset, earlier this year.

With this move, Meta anticipates recreating the familiar "Android versus iOS" dynamic witnessed in smartphones, but now within the realm of VR headsets. Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, shared the news in an Instagram video, asserting that different hardware options at various price points, all operating on Meta's platform, will challenge Apple's vertically integrated and expensive VR headset.

"In every era of computing, there are always open and closed models," Zuckerberg explained. "With phones, Apple's closed model basically won out. But it doesn't have to be this way," he added. Meta's decision to open up its operating system to hardware partners aligns with the company's strategic vision within their Reality Labs division, which has been investing billions of dollars each quarter in virtual and augmented reality technology.

Through this collaboration, Meta aims to foster an open model that defines the future of computing, especially in the emerging metaverse, where glasses and headsets play a critical role. Zuckerberg even extended an invitation to Google, urging them to bring their Google Play app store to Meta's Horizon-based headsets. Additionally, Meta plans to allow compatibility with Steam and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming on its operating system.

Notably, Meta Horizon is based on an Android version, facilitating a smoother transition and easier porting of apps from smartphones to VR headsets. Zuckerberg emphasized that Meta aims to provide users with the flexibility to run content on any Meta Horizon operating system headset.

However, specific details regarding the business arrangements with hardware partners and the software's business model have not been disclosed by Meta. Comparisons have been drawn to Google's strategy with Android, where the software is offered for free, and the company monetizes research and development through directing user searches to Google and selling ads alongside those searches.

Meta's decision to embrace hardware partnerships will enable these collaborators to create customized VR hardware tailored for different markets, such as gaming and productivity. Zuckerberg envisioned devices that could potentially launch with Xbox controllers included and even hinted at the possibility of Meta developing a version of their popular Quest headset inspired by the Xbox gaming platform.

While the exact timeline for the release of these new VR devices remains uncertain, Zuckerberg mentioned it could take a "couple of years" for them to hit the market. As Meta's plan takes shape, the company aims to usher in a new era of computing by providing more options and flexibility to VR enthusiasts, developers, and consumers alike.

In conclusion, Meta's partnerships with esteemed hardware manufacturers signal a significant advancement in the competitive landscape of VR headsets, setting the stage for an Android-iOS-like battle in the virtual reality industry. The introduction of diverse hardware devices operating on Meta's Horizon system will undoubtedly drive innovation and expand accessibility within the VR market, empowering users with a wider array of options in the ever-evolving metaverse.