Meta officially launches its Horizon Worlds metaverse app in the US and Canada that lets users gather with others, play games and build their own virtual worlds using an Oculus 2 VR headset
- Horizon Worlds was announced in 2019 and testing of it in beta began last year
- On Thursday, Meta announced access is open to all users in the US and Canada
- The app is free and is compatible with the Meta-owned Oculus 2 VR headset
It has been two years in the making, but Meta has official launched its Horizon Worlds metaverse app to the public.
Horizon Worlds is far from a fully realized metaverse that CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions, which a future internet where online experiences like chatting to a friend would eventually feel face-to-face interactions.
The app is the first step of Zuckerberg’s masterplan and allows users in the US and Canada to gather with others, play games and build their own virtual worlds on Horizon as long as they are 18 years old and have the proper equipment – a Quest 2 virtual reality (VR) headset.
Horizon World first announced in 2019 and launched last year in beta, but is now out free to users without the need of an invitation.
The app was originally compatible with the first Oculus, but Meta is set to end support on January 13.
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It has been two years in the making, but Meta has official launched its Horizon Worlds metaverse app to the public
Meta acquired Oculus for $2 billion in 2014, when it was still known as Facebook, and although it was not an instant hit, Meta has worked to create new technologies and needs for the technology.
And Oculus is key to the company creating its metaverse.
The fictional realm will let people put on a headset and enter a virtual world where they can be anybody or do anything, all from the comfort of their own home.
In Meta’s metaverse, people create avatars of themselves that can include specific skin colors, clothes facial features and other characteristics unique to the individual.
Horizon World first announced in 2019 and launched last year in beta, but is now out free to users without the need of an invitation. The app was originally compatible with the first Oculus, but Meta is set to end support on January 13
Horizon Worlds is far from a fully realized metaverse that CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions, which a future internet where online experiences like chatting to a friend would eventually feel face-to-face interactions
These avatars can then go anywhere within virtual world – visit friends across the globe, attend a meeting without leaving their home office or even dine with family at an exotic restraint while sitting in their own kitchen.
Horizon Worlds is not the full blow fictional world Meta has in store, but it is a start.
Horizon Worlds includes several smaller worlds that users can explore, included a retro, arcade-style multiplayer platform called Pixel Plummet and Wand & Broom, which lets users fly over Towncity on a magic broom
Then there is Mark’s Riverboat, which allows users and their friends to float down a river in the metaverse while on a triple decker riverboat.
‘We want Horizon Worlds to be a safe and respectful environment, so everyone must follow our Conduct in VR Policy,’ Meta shared in the Thursday release.
‘You have several safety options, including access to your personal Safe Zone at any time through your wrist menu, which lets you take a break and then block, mute or report people.’
Horizon Worlds is not the full blow fictional world Meta has in store, but it is a start
Horizon Worlds includes several smaller worlds that users can explore
Facebook renamed its parent company to Meta in October to emphasize its aim to shift from scandal-prone social media platform to its virtual reality vision for its future. The name change comes as the world’s largest social media company battles criticisms from lawmakers and regulators over its market power, algorithmic decisions and the policing of abuses on its platforms.
‘Right now, our brand is so tightly linked to one product that it can’t possibly represent everything that we’re doing today, let alone in the future,’ said Zuckerberg.
The company, which has invested heavily in augmented and virtual reality, said the change would bring together its different apps and technologies under one new brand. It said it would not change its corporate structure.
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