# Meta Connect 2024: The Unseen Third-Party Horizon OS Headsets and Meta’s Silence
Meta Connect 2024 showcased a lineup of thrilling announcements, including the eagerly awaited **Meta Quest 3S**, enhanced AI features, immersive VR gaming experiences, and a stylish **Meta Orion AR glasses** prototype. Nevertheless, a conspicuous absence left many VR fans and industry experts scratching their heads: the third-party headsets utilizing Meta’s **Horizon OS**. In spite of previous commitments and expectations, these devices were notably missing from the event. So, what led to Meta’s silence on this matter? We consulted **Mark Rabkin**, Meta’s VP of MR/VR, to seek clarification.
## The Anticipation: Hopes for Third-Party Headsets
As Meta Connect 2024 approached, there was considerable anticipation surrounding third-party VR headsets operating on Meta’s Horizon OS. Earlier this year, Meta had revealed partnerships with prominent tech firms like **ASUS ROG**, **Lenovo**, and **Microsoft**. These collaborations were anticipated to introduce new wireless VR headsets equipped with **Snapdragon XR2 hardware**, Meta’s Horizon OS interface, and access to the **Quest Store** catalog of games and applications.
In particular, Meta had hinted:
– **ASUS ROG** was set to create a top-tier gaming headset.
– **Lenovo** planned to develop mixed-reality devices tailored for productivity, learning, and entertainment.
– A **limited-edition Meta Quest** headset inspired by **Xbox** would be unveiled.
These proclamations had set the stage for Meta Connect 2024 to serve as a venue to highlight these third-party offerings. However, when the event concluded without any reference to these headsets, it left many curious about the developments.
## The Reason Behind the Absence of Third-Party Headsets
When directly questioned about the lack of third-party Horizon OS headsets, Mark Rabkin offered a concise yet revealing response. He articulated, “I don’t have any information to share at this moment, but we have various programs in place for those headsets. We’re really aiming to let our partners take the lead and have it be their device, their development, their materials, so we wouldn’t want to impose or overshadow them.”
### Main Insights from Rabkin’s Statement:
1. **Diverse Programs Underway**: Meta is engaged in collaborations with its partners across various initiatives, likely encompassing both hardware and software enhancements.
2. **Partner-Centric Strategy**: Meta is adopting a non-intrusive stance, permitting its partners the autonomy to dictate the development and release of their devices. This indicates Meta won’t press or hasten them to display their products at Meta events like Connect.
3. **No Meta-Centric Marketing**: Meta is unlikely to take the lead in promoting these third-party headsets, much like how **Google** does not promote **Samsung** devices, leaving marketing and advertising efforts to the individual companies.
## The “Pixel of VR” Initiative
Meta’s strategy regarding third-party headsets reflects its approach to its **Quest** lineup, which can be likened to the “Pixel of VR.” Just as Google’s Pixel phones symbolize the pinnacle of Android, Meta’s Quest headsets exemplify the Horizon OS ecosystem. However, Meta is establishing itself as a supporter rather than a master of the larger VR hardware realm. By licensing Horizon OS to other enterprises, Meta is paving the way for a broader variety of devices, while refraining from dictating the launch timelines or methodologies.
This strategy may enable Meta to amplify its ecosystem without competing directly with its partners. Nonetheless, it also means that the schedule for the release of these third-party headsets relies entirely on companies like ASUS, Lenovo, and Microsoft.
## What Lies Ahead for Third-Party Horizon OS Headsets?
Although we didn’t encounter any third-party headsets at Meta Connect 2024, it’s evident that these devices are still in the works. The pressing question now is when they will make their market debut. Given the swift advancements in the VR sector, timing is of the essence. Meta is presumably already in development on its next-gen **Quest 4** headset, potentially featuring **Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3** technology. If third-party headsets fail to launch promptly, they risk being eclipsed by newer, superior alternatives.
### Anticipated Obstacles:
– **Competition with Meta’s Own Offerings**: The **ASUS ROG** headset, for instance, might be perceived as a rival to the Quest 3S. However, it will likely cater to a more specialized market of high-end VR gamers, while the Quest 3S targets a wider, value-oriented audience.
– **Lenovo’s Focus on Productivity**: Lenovo’s mixed-reality device could occupy a niche market for productivity-driven VR headsets, particularly as **Samsung** has postponed its own XR headset. However, timing will be crucial for success.
