Meta opens up Horizon OS, aims to be the Android of VR

Image: Mark Zuckerberg

Meta is making a big shift in virtual reality by licensing its operating system, Horizon OS, to other hardware makers. This follows the trend of Meta becoming a more open platform, unlike Apple's closed approach.

Previously exclusive to Meta's Quest headsets, Horizon OS will now power VR devices from companies like Lenovo, ASUS, and even a limited-edition Xbox Quest. This opens the door for more variety in VR hardware, catering to different needs and budgets. Imagine a work-focused headset that connects to your PC or a high-resolution entertainment headset—the possibilities become much broader.

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Meta Quest 3 lets you use the headset while lying down

Image: Meta

Exciting updates are rolling out for Meta Quest. Livestreamers can rejoice—broadcasts will now continue uninterrupted even when you take the headset off. This means smoother transitions and a more professional stream.

For Quest 3 owners, the update brings even more. You can now leverage the power of an external microphone via the USB-C port for crystal-clear voice chat and content creation. Additionally, the passthrough mixed reality feature receives a resolution and image quality boost, making the blend between the virtual and real worlds even more seamless.

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Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses get smarter with multimodal AI

Photo: Meta

Get ready for a boost in brainpower for your shades! According to a recent New York Times report, Meta is bringing advanced AI features to its Ray-Ban Smart Glasses starting next month.

This multimodal AI can do some impressive tricks: translating languages on the fly and identifying objects, animals, and even famous landmarks. The feature has been in testing since last December through an early access program.

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Threads tests drafts and in-app camera

Image: Meta

Meta is testing some of the “most requested” features for Threads, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri. One of them is the ability to save drafts. Users can swipe down to save a post as a draft and edit it later. The app shows a post icon when there is a draft saved. However, users can only save one draft at a time, and it is unclear if Meta will allow more.

Another feature is an in-app camera. It lets users share photos and videos from their phones without leaving Threads. Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg posted a photo taken with the new camera. Meta said these features are still in early testing and could change a lot before they are widely available. 

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