Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is extending its Horizon Worlds metaverse from virtual reality headsets to mobile devices and web platforms, aiming to make the 3D virtual world more accessible to users.


Meta Expands Horizon Worlds Metaverse Beyond VR to Mobile and Web


Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has taken a significant step to broaden the reach of its metaverse platform, Horizon Worlds. The 3D avatar-based social platform, designed to create a metaverse experience, is now accessible on smartphones and computers.


In a blog post on September 15, Meta announced the initial rollout of its first Horizon World to mobile devices and web platforms in an early access state. Currently, users can engage in the Super Rumble experience, a free-for-all shooter game that accommodates two to six players in fast-paced five-minute matches. Meta plans to introduce more experiences and worlds to the platform in the coming months.


Initially, access to Horizon Worlds on the web and the Meta Quest app for Android will be available to a limited number of users, with an iOS rollout expected in the coming weeks. Meta's goal is to gradually expand early access as they collect feedback and refine the user experience.


Meta emphasized its commitment to making the metaverse accessible to everyone, regardless of the device they use. While Meta Quest headsets offer the most immersive experience, the company believes in providing multiple entry points to the metaverse.


Notably, Meta has not disclosed public statistics on the number of monthly active users for Horizon Worlds. An October 2022 report from The Wall Street Journal estimated the user base to be less than 200,000.


Currently, Meta's social platform is available in select countries, including Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.


Interestingly, blockchain-based metaverse platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox initially launched as PC and web-based experiences before considering virtual reality integration. These platforms started their journey by focusing on accessibility through standard computing devices.


In another development, Meta avatars in Horizon Worlds have received a highly anticipated update, including the addition of virtual legs. This update marks a significant improvement to the avatar system and comes after Meta's earlier promise to introduce legs in 2023. While legs were introduced in a test version update for Quest Home space, they have now made their way to the Horizon Worlds app, enhancing the metaverse experience for users.


The expansion of Horizon Worlds to mobile and web platforms represents Meta's effort to make its metaverse more inclusive and accessible, competing with other metaverse platforms and addressing user demands for diverse entry points.


(FELIX NG, CoinTelegraph, 2023)