Meta Rejects Google’s Proposal for Virtual Reality Collaboration
On March 1, it was reported that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has decided against partnering with Alphabet, Google’s parent company, for the use of Google’s Android XR platform in Meta’s virtual and mixed-reality Quest headsets. According to sources familiar with the matter, Google had proposed a partnership where Meta would utilize its new software platform designed for virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed-reality headsets.
However, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, reportedly chose not to pursue this partnership, as it could potentially impede his vision to “own the next computational platform for AR, VR, and mixed reality.” Instead, Meta is said to be in discussions with hardware companies, including LG Electronics from South Korea, about developing new VR devices using Quest’s software. This move aligns with Meta’s strategic goal to establish a dominant presence in the evolving landscape of augmented and virtual reality.
Meta’s existing Quest devices currently run on an open-source version of Google’s Android operating system. The decision not to partner with Google for its Android XR platform highlights Meta’s ambition to control and shape the future of AR and VR technologies independently.
Apple, a key competitor in the tech industry, recently released its mixed reality headset called Vision Pro, showcasing the growing importance and innovation in the AR and VR space. As major tech companies continue to invest in and develop immersive technologies, the decisions made by Meta and its peers in forming partnerships or going solo will play a crucial role in defining the future trajectory of these emerging platforms. Meta, LG Electronics, and Alphabet (Google) have not officially commented on the reported developments.
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