Trusted Source Indicates Meta’s Horizon OS Launch to Begin with High-End ASUS Headset

Last April, Meta revealed plans to extend its Quest-exclusive Horizon OS to third-party headsets, marking a significant step in its hardware strategy. With devices slated to roll out from ASUS, Lenovo, and Xbox, the tech giant has been relatively silent since the announcement, keeping enthusiasts eagerly waiting for more details. However, a recent leak from the reliable source known as ‘Luna’ suggests that ASUS might be leading the charge in this venture.

Luna, renowned for unveiling insights into upcoming VR hardware and software, has a history of successfully leaking Meta projects. This includes prematurely revealing the Quest 3S name and the integration of an Action Button on the headset. Luna has also been spot on about various features, like showcasing a room-scanning setup video for the Quest 3 before it hit the market in 2023, and detailing software functionalities such as Meta’s experimental move to pin apps to the Universal Menu dock permanently.

In the latest scoop, Luna, reportedly drawing from an anonymous contact within the industry, shares that the ASUS Republic of Gamers headset is likely to be among the first third-party devices to feature the Horizon OS. Allegedly going by the codename ‘Tarius,’ Luna reports that the headset aims to offer advanced features like eye and face-tracking, bringing it on par with the latest offerings of the high-end Quest Pro.

If Luna’s information holds true, it indicates that ASUS isn’t just designing another Quest 3S replica with flashy RGB extras. Instead, it is venturing into territory that redefines the average consumer VR experience. This would suggest a superior product compared to Quest’s current models, which include the Quest 3 at $500 for a 512GB model and the Quest 3S available at $300 for the 128GB variant.

Though one should remain cautious and take Luna’s report with a pinch of skepticism, it’s evident Meta is gearing up for a strategic response. This comes as Google prepares to make waves with its Android XR, set to appear on Samsung’s upcoming XR headset. Codenamed Project Moohan, Samsung’s device is anticipated to reach consumers later this year, ramping up competition in the XR space. As such, the developments between these tech giants promise an interesting year ahead in the world of virtual reality.