In a groundbreaking collaboration, Microsoft and Meta are joining forces to unveil a “limited-edition” VR headset that will run on Meta’s cutting-edge Meta Horizon operating system. This exciting partnership aims to bring forth a special Meta Quest device inspired by the world of Xbox, ushering in a new era where gamers can immerse themselves in the Xbox universe through virtual reality.
While competitors like Sony have embraced virtual reality technology, Microsoft has been relatively cautious in this realm. However, the fervent desires of fans have not fallen on deaf ears, as this collaboration between Microsoft and Meta promises to fulfill the long-awaited dream of Xbox-specific VR experiences.
Meta’s recent announcement unveiled plans for a Meta Quest device infused with the essence of Xbox, with notable partners such as ASUS and Lenovo also stepping into the fray to manufacture devices compatible with Meta’s Horizon OS. This operating system, an evolution of Meta’s existing augmented reality technology, will extend the immersive capabilities of Meta Quest to a wider audience, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between Meta and Microsoft.
Mark Zuckerberg, the visionary founder and CEO of Meta, shared further insights into this ambitious project on Instagram, confirming that the new headset will come bundled with an Xbox controller and access to Xbox Game Pass. For Microsoft, this partnership signifies a pivotal moment as the company embraces virtual reality technology, integrating it seamlessly into its ecosystem. While Meta has emphasized the allure of gaming on a virtual screen in the past, the forthcoming “limited-edition” headset promises to elevate the gaming experience for Xbox enthusiasts with enhanced functionality tailored to their preferences.
While specific details about the project remain shrouded in mystery, both Meta and Microsoft are brimming with anticipation to introduce this innovative product to the market. “Xbox and Meta teamed up last year to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to Meta Quest, letting people play Xbox games on a large 2D virtual screen in mixed reality. Now, we’re working together again to create a limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox,” Meta affirmed.
The Meta Quest, first launched in 2019 with subsequent iterations refining its capabilities, has continually evolved to meet the demands of users. Microsoft’s foray into augmented and virtual reality dates back to the debut of Kinect for Xbox in 2010, a pioneering device that revolutionized gaming interaction by eliminating the need for controllers and enabling intuitive motion-based gameplay.
As anticipation mounts for the arrival of this groundbreaking collaboration between Microsoft and Meta, gamers can look forward to a future where the boundaries between reality and virtual worlds blur, opening doors to unparalleled gaming experiences in the Xbox universe.