In a groundbreaking development, Meta is taking its highly-anticipated project, Horizon Worlds, far beyond the confines of virtual reality headsets. After more than a year and a half of meticulous development, the tech giant is poised to revolutionise the virtual reality (VR) landscape.
Expanding Access: Horizon Worlds Goes Mobile and Web
In an official blog post dated September 14, Meta dropped a bombshell: Horizon Worlds, a collaborative VR platform meticulously crafted by the Meta team, is set to make its debut on mobile devices and web platforms, marking a significant shift towards increased accessibility.
Early Access: An Exclusive Opportunity
Initially, access to Horizon Worlds will be limited to a select group of early adopters. Currently, only a “small number of people” can dive into the immersive multiplayer shooter, Super Rumble, through the Meta Quest app on Android and web browsers. iOS support is on the horizon, with Meta promising its arrival “in the coming weeks.” The company recognises the importance of providing multiple entry points into the metaverse, acknowledging that the concept still lacks a rich tapestry of engaging content. While the specific criteria for early access remain undisclosed, Meta is committed to gradually expanding access as it collects user feedback and refines the overall experience.
Education Meets the Metaverse: A Forward-Thinking Initiative
Just a few days prior to this monumental announcement, Meta unveiled an innovative programme designed to ignite the curiosity of students across the United States. In collaboration with 15 prestigious universities nationwide, Meta is actively promoting immersive learning. These esteemed institutions include Stanford University, Arizona State University, New Mexico State University, and several others, all of which are wholeheartedly embracing this forward-thinking educational initiative.
Challenges and Aspirations
However, the path ahead is not without its challenges. In 2022, Horizon Worlds faced criticism from critics and even Meta’s own employees, who cited “too many quality issues” and an overall unsatisfactory environment that marred the user experience.
At its core, Horizon Worlds enables users to create and interact within a virtual realm, reminiscent of the wildly popular games, Minecraft and Roblox. The stakes are undeniably high, with Meta investing billions of dollars in this audacious venture. To date, the company has poured over $7.5 billion into this endeavour, a testament to its unwavering commitment to creating a compelling and believable VR project.
As Meta’s Horizon Worlds continues its journey to establish itself as a frontrunner in the metaverse, it grapples with challenges and obstacles. Nevertheless, Meta’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of virtual reality and immersive experiences remains resolute. As the platform evolves and broadens its accessibility, it promises to shape the future of digital interaction and entertainment in truly unprecedented ways.
