In the rapidly evolving world of virtual and mixed reality, Meta Horizon has emerged as a comprehensive social platform optimised for the metaverse. But what exactly is Meta Horizon, and how does it fit into Meta’s broader vision for the future of immersive technology?
The Meta Horizon Ecosystem
Meta Horizon encompasses a suite of apps, tools, and services designed to help people connect in virtual spaces. This ecosystem includes Meta Horizon mobile app, Meta Horizon Worlds, Meta Horizon Home, and now the newly announced Meta Horizon OS. Your Meta Horizon profile serves as your digital identity across these interconnected platforms, allowing you to maintain a consistent presence whether you’re updating your avatar, exploring new worlds, or connecting with friends.
Meta Horizon OS: A Game-Changing Development
In April 2024, Meta announced a significant evolution of their platform with Meta Horizon OS, the operating system that powers Meta Quest devices. In what they’ve called an “open ecosystem strategy,” Meta is now making this OS available to third-party hardware manufacturers, potentially transforming the XR landscape.
Meta Horizon OS is the result of a decade of development, built on the Android Open Source Project foundations. It incorporates advanced technologies like inside-out tracking, high-resolution passthrough, scene understanding, and spatial anchors—all essential components for creating immersive mixed reality experiences.
Leading technology companies including ASUS Republic of Gamers, Lenovo, and Microsoft (for Xbox) are already developing new hardware powered by Meta Horizon OS. This strategic move positions Meta’s technology as potentially the “Windows” of spatial computing, opening doors for innovation while maintaining Meta’s central role in the ecosystem.
The Meta Horizon Mobile App
The Meta Horizon mobile app serves as your gateway to the metaverse from your smartphone. With this app, you can:
- Manage your Meta Horizon profile and device settings
- Customise family settings and permissions
- Cast your Meta Quest experience to a compatible screen
- Explore over 500 games, apps, and experiences
- Join multiplayer games and live events
- Connect with friends regardless of their device
- Customise your avatar and unlock exclusive items
Your Meta Horizon Profile
Your Meta Horizon profile represents your social presence in the metaverse. This profile includes:
- Your name (what you want to be called)
- A unique username (e.g., WarriorMama365)
- Profile picture
- Customisable avatar
This information is public and shared with apps you download, allowing for a seamless experience across the Meta Horizon ecosystem. You can change most profile elements whenever you like, though usernames can only be changed once every six months.
Meta Horizon Worlds and Beyond
Meta Horizon Worlds provides a social experience where you can explore, play, and create virtual worlds. Meta has built safety features into Worlds, including a Safe Zone button, personal boundary settings, and the ability to block, mute, or report problematic users.
Other components of the ecosystem include Meta Horizon Workrooms, a VR collaboration tool for teams, and Meta Horizon Home, the starting point of your Meta Quest experience where you can personalise your virtual environment and invite friends to visit.
The Vision for an Open Metaverse
Meta’s decision to open up Meta Horizon OS represents a significant shift in strategy. This move could accelerate adoption of mixed reality technology by giving consumers more hardware choices while creating a larger ecosystem for developers. By positioning Meta Horizon as the connective tissue between hardware, software, and social experiences, Meta aims to establish its platform as the foundation of the emerging metaverse.
As virtual and mixed reality continue to evolve, Meta Horizon will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping how we connect, work, and play in immersive digital environments. Whether you’re a casual user, developer, or business professional, understanding Meta Horizon is essential for navigating the future of immersive technology.
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About the Author: Justin Peoples is a former headteacher and educational leader who now specialises in immersive technology integration for primary schools. With 15 years of classroom and leadership experience, he brings practical insight to the exciting possibilities of AR and VR in education.
