Meta Targets Google Developers for Horizon OS

At the Meta Connect conference, Meta presented its Quest mixed reality platform as the next big app store, directly targeting developers who build for Android. With Apple and Google facing app store monopoly scrutiny, Meta aims to attract developers with its open approach.

Horizon OS: A New App Store Platform

• Meta is transitioning to an open store model, offering developers access to Horizon OS.
• Developers can build for Horizon OS using familiar languages and tools.
• The open store transition began in April and is now complete.

Enhancing the Developer Experience

Meta has introduced new features and tools to simplify development for Horizon OS.

• The Meta Spatial SDK enables developers to add spatial features to traditional mobile apps.
• The Meta Spatial Editor makes it easier to incorporate panoramas and 3D spatial videos.
• Meta itself has created Facebook and Instagram apps for Horizon OS using React Native.
• Other companies like Amazon, Twitch, and Spotify have also tested Horizon OS.

Addressing Developer Concerns

Meta acknowledges past difficulties developers faced while building for its platforms and has made efforts to address those issues.

• Meta has implemented new features and tools to improve the Horizon OS development experience.
• The company is also bringing its spatial improvements to the open web, allowing developers to build for web XR.

Openness and Revenue

Meta's shift towards openness is not just about expanding its app library but also about securing a new revenue stream through in-app purchases and sales. This strategy echoes Zuckerberg's public stance against Apple's closed ecosystem.

Meta's Open Platform: A Challenge to Google?

Meta's efforts to attract developers and build a thriving app ecosystem on Horizon OS present a potential challenge to Google's dominance. Meta aims to offer a more open and developer-friendly platform, potentially attracting developers frustrated with restrictions on other app stores.