Android XR Creates a Major Dilemma That Will Make or Break Meta’s XR Ambitions

Meta has expressed its ambition to become the “Android of XR.” However, they are not alone in this goal, as Android XR also aims to dominate the XR landscape.

One crucial factor that could determine Meta’s success in the face of competition from Google and Apple in the XR space is the availability of flat apps.

Flat apps such as Spotify, TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord may not seem like the most exciting use case for a headset. However, devices like Vision Pro, which support a wide range of flat iPadOS apps, have demonstrated the value of integrating familiar apps into the XR experience rather than isolating users from them. Android XR is following a similar strategy by enabling all existing Android apps from the Play Store.

Although Meta’s headsets excel in gaming, the potential of XR extends beyond gaming alone.

A company solely focused on gaming, like Nintendo, will never reach the scale of a company building a broader computing platform, such as Microsoft. This is evident in the vast difference in their respective valuations. While this comparison may not be perfect, it highlights the importance of diversifying offerings in the XR space.

Currently, we have two dominant XR platforms: Meta’s Horizon OS with a vast library of immersive apps and Google’s Android XR with a wide selection of flat apps.

Both platforms need to complement each other to dominate the XR landscape. However, Meta appears to face a more significant challenge in this regard.

Immersive app developers are eager for growth opportunities, making it advantageous for them to port their apps to Android XR. On the other hand, major flat apps may not see substantial growth by migrating to Horizon OS. The real challenge lies in providing ongoing support and maintenance for these massive apps, which requires a significant commitment.

Google is better positioned to attract key immersive apps to Android XR compared to Meta’s ability to bring critical flat apps to Horizon OS. Without a substantial collection of flat apps, Meta’s headsets run the risk of being perceived as immersive gaming consoles rather than versatile computing devices.

This poses a significant threat to Meta’s XR ambitions, with no clear solutions in sight.

Having both key flat apps and key immersive apps is essential for the success of any XR platform. Even if Meta produces superior hardware, the availability of core flat apps on their platform may hold more significance in the long run.

Meta’s XR aspirations are at stake, and addressing this challenge is crucial for their future in the XR market.