Meta's Quest introduces a new streaming app, hinting at broader future endeavors
Meta Shifts Strategy with New VR Headset Focused on Mainstream Media Consumption
Meta, the tech giant behind the Meta Quest virtual reality (VR) headset, is making significant changes to its VR ecosystem. The company is developing a new VR headset, designed specifically for media consumption, that is expected to be lightweight and compact.
The new headset is part of Meta's strategy to expand its VR ecosystem and attract a larger mainstream audience. The app named 'TV' on Meta Quest, which has been a platform for passively consumed media for many years, has been overhauled to better cater to this audience.
The overhauled app now prioritizes films and series from streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. In contrast to its previous approach, the app no longer directly integrates content from content creators. Instead, it acts as a hub, opening the respective streaming app when a media offering is selected.
Meta notified content creators that their content would be deleted from the platform in September, recommending migration to YouTube. As a result, the library of the app now mainly consists of productions from Meta and Meta partners, excluding content creators.
However, the rendered content from Meta's VR animation platform 'Theater Elsewhere' remains available in the app and is not affected by the changes. The app features immersive videos in various degrees, as well as occasional 2D and 3D films.
Meta is reportedly approaching companies such as Disney, film studio A24, and smaller production companies for exclusive content for the new VR headset. The company also has a multi-year partnership with James Cameron's Lightstorm Vision, which is likely to produce attractive content for the new device and older Quest headsets.
More information about Meta's plans for this new VR headset may be revealed at the Meta Connect event on Thursday. The VR headset is expected to be released no earlier than 2026, according to current reports. Meta expects this audience to become an important player in its own VR ecosystem by early 2027.
The new VR headset is intended to capitalize on the growing user group of mainstream consumers who primarily use Quest for media consumption and entertainment. By focusing on a classic media offering, similar to traditional television, Meta aims to make VR more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
