Meta has recently embarked on a profound reconfiguration of its long‑standing metaverse ambitions, signaling a decisive step away from an exclusive reliance on full virtual‑reality experiences. Instead of confining Horizon Worlds to the realm of advanced headsets and immersive goggles, the company now envisions a digital ecosystem that can be experienced seamlessly across a wide range of devices—from desktop computers and tablets to mobile phones. This evolution, which follows internal restructurings within Reality Labs and the gradual winding down of certain VR‑specific projects, demonstrates a pragmatic recognition that accessibility and ubiquity may ultimately drive greater engagement than technological intensity alone.
By repositioning Horizon Worlds as a cross‑platform environment rather than a narrowly defined VR destination, Meta is effectively broadening the concept of the metaverse itself. The new approach values connectivity, inclusivity, and user participation over purely sensory immersion. It implies that the metaverse of tomorrow might resemble an expansive, integrated digital social landscape—one where people interact, collaborate, and share experiences without the entry barrier of specialized hardware. For example, instead of requiring users to invest in expensive headsets, Meta’s adapted model could allow anyone with a smartphone or a browser‑capable device to join shared virtual spaces with ease.
This strategic redirection also mirrors a wider movement throughout the technology sector, in which companies increasingly prioritize sustainable growth and user reach over cutting‑edge exclusivity. While virtual reality continues to capture imaginations for its potential to simulate lifelike environments, Meta appears to be acknowledging that long‑term success depends as much on accessibility and community as on immersive fidelity. In practical terms, the company’s shift could expand its audience exponentially, reinforce interoperability between digital platforms, and open the door to diverse creative and economic possibilities within the metaverse.
Ultimately, Meta’s transformation highlights a critical juncture in the evolution of digital spaces. The emphasis is moving from isolation inside headsets toward a more universally connected model of participation—one that blends virtual interactions with the everyday digital lives of users. This broader, more inclusive interpretation of the metaverse may not only redefine the company’s internal strategy but could also influence how the next generation of online experiences is conceived, built, and shared worldwide.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/881647/meta-vr-mobile-metaverse-horizon-worlds
