Meta Expands Horizon OS Ecosystem Beyond Quest Headsets

Meta is expanding its Horizon OS ecosystem to devices beyond the Quest, signaling a broader strategy for its virtual reality platform and increasing competition in the immersive technology sector. This move could reshape the VR hardware landscape.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Meta’s Mixed Reality Ambitions

Not much has changed in terms of hardware for Meta after its recent Connect 2025 conference, but the company’s ambitions in the realm of mixed reality remain undimmed. Rather than unveiling new devices, the tech giant is doubling down on alliances with industry leaders such as Asus and Lenovo, aiming to expand its proprietary Horizon OS across a much broader array of headsets. Representatives from the Menlo Park-based firm have confirmed to Road to VR that their teams are “actively working” to bring Horizon OS to more devices—an initiative shaping the future landscape of immersive technology.

The Wait for New Hardware Continues

Expectations were running high for a fresh reveal of the rumored “Tarius,” a VR headset branded under Asus ROG. Speculation pointed towards cutting-edge features: eye and face tracking, high-end QD-LCD or micro-OLED screens—capabilities that could rival the display quality of Sony’s PSVR 2. Yet, despite leaks and mounting anticipation, Tarius remained firmly behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Lenovo‘s approach seems more pragmatic: focusing on mixed reality solutions tailored for productivity, learning, and entertainment.

But one question still looms large—when will these highly anticipated devices finally see daylight? Industry observers suggest that both Asus and Lenovo may be timing their announcements around upcoming silicon from Qualcomm. The next Snapdragon Summit this September could bring news about the powerful Snapdragon X2 Series chips, which would give future headsets a crucial technological boost.

An Expanding Mixed Reality Ecosystem

While most new hardware remains under wraps, some fruits of Meta’s collaboration are already hitting shelves. The recently launched Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, developed alongside Microsoft, is shipped with an Xbox controller, an Elite Strap, and a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate—all for cloud gaming directly on the headset. However, this isn’t an entirely new device; it’s a limited edition building upon existing Quest hardware.

Looking ahead, Meta’s strategy hinges on several key pillars:

• Broadening Horizon OS compatibility to more headsets via partnerships;
• Tapping into Qualcomm’s next-gen technologies;
• Pushing into professional and educational use cases through Lenovo.

The Long View: What Comes Next?

For those eager for fresh hardware under the Horizon OS banner—or perhaps simply longing for innovation beyond rebranded editions—the waiting game continues. Optimists are hoping for a swifter reveal than that expected for the elusive Meta Quest 4 (not forecast until as late as 2027). Until then, wearable tech like Ray-Ban Display or Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) glasses adds vibrancy to Meta’s ecosystem—a subtle reminder that in mixed reality, evolution rarely stands still.