Why Meta Is Opening Up Its VR Headset’s Operating System to Other Hardware Makers

Meta Platforms (META) is opening up the operating system for its Quest virtual reality (VR) headsets to third-party hardware makers, as part of its efforts to “create a new ecosystem of mixed reality devices.”

Meta said that Microsoft (MSFT), Lenovo, and ASUS’s Republic of Gaming have already started working on products using the Quest system, known as Meta Horizon OS.

Meta said that the decision would allow developers to get “a larger ecosystem to build for,” ultimately creating more choices for consumers.

The company added that the manufacturers could reach their audiences and grow their businesses “through the content discovery and monetization platforms built into Meta Horizon OS,” including the Meta Quest Store, which it is renaming as the Meta Horizon Store.

The move comes as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has advocated for a more open approach than that of competitors like Apple (AAPL), and could help better position Meta’s Horizon OS as an alternative to Apple systems.

Shares of Meta Platforms edged 0.1% higher Monday to $481.73. They have gained about 36% so far this year. The company is set to report quarterly earnings Wednesday, when it could give further updates on its products and strategy.