Meta Expands VR Ecosystem: Android Apps Now Supported on Quest Headsets
At the Meta Connect 2024 conference, Meta unveiled groundbreaking updates to its Quest mixed reality platform, positioning it as the next major app store destination. This strategic move comes as compe*****s like Apple and Google face increasing regulatory scrutiny over their app store dominance.
Seamless Transition for Android Developers
Mark Rabkin, Meta’s VP of Horizon OS and Quest XR devices, announced:
“If you can build for Android, you can build for Meta Horizon OS using your preferred programming language and IDE. We’ve completed our open store transition to welcome developers.”
Image Credits: Meta
Key Developer Tools and Features
Meta introduced several innovations to streamline VR development:
- Meta Spatial SDK: Enables conversion of traditional mobile apps into spatial experiences with:
- Floating 3D objects
- Immersive atmospherics
- Advanced media integration
- Meta Spatial Editor: Simplifies adding panoramas and 3D spatial videos
- 2D App Enhancements: Includes resizing, theater mode, spatial audio, and multitasking capabilities
Successful Early Adopters
Meta validated its new platform by rebuilding Facebook and Instagram for Horizon OS using React Native. Other major partners include:
- Amazon (Prime Video, Amazon Music)
- Twitch
- Spotify (web-based implementation)
- The New York Times (Wordle as Progressive Web App)
Addressing Developer Pain Points
Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth acknowledged past challenges:
“We apologize for not making development easier. We understand the ecosystem has been constantly evolving, creating both opportunities and frustrations.”
Image Credits: Meta
Strategic Implications
This initiative serves multiple purposes:
- Expanding the VR App Ecosystem: Lowering barriers for mobile developers to enter VR
- Revenue Diversification: Establishing new income streams through app store transactions
- Competitive Positioning: CEO Mark Zuckerberg positions Meta as more open than Apple’s walled-garden approach
As Zuckerberg stated on the Acquired podcast:
“The next 15 years will determine whether future platforms follow closed models like Apple’s or more open architectures.”
Image Credits: Meta
This developer-focused strategy represents Meta’s ambitious vision to shape the future of mixed reality computing, leveraging its growing hardware installed base and addressing the evolving needs of the app development community.
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