Meta Ditches VR for Mobile Metaverse

• Horizon Worlds now operates across three platforms: VR headsets (scaled back), mobile phones, and web browsers, requiring developers to design without assuming controller availability or full mobility
• Platform includes accessibility features: 'near mode' interface for low-vision users, haptic feedback, spatial audio, and voice input as multimodal interaction options
• Extended grab distance feature allows users with limited mobility to interact with objects without physical reaching or bending
• Discovery mechanism being restructured: removal of Horizon Feed from Quest headsets aims to improve store visibility for third-party games and reduce algorithmic promotion of Horizon-branded content
• Mobile-first architecture requires developers to assume users may lack VR controllers, naturally encouraging more accessible design patterns

Meta's pivot signals a strategic retreat from the 'metaverse as integrated platform' vision toward a more pragmatic, platform-agnostic approach. This shift has several industry implications: (1) Validates concerns that VR adoption remains constrained by hardware friction and social acceptance barriers, supporting the 'Palm Pilot era' assessment that VR devices remain clunky and socially awkward[2]; (2) Demonstrates that massive first-party investment cannot overcome fundamental platform-market fit issues when user experience suffers; (3) Suggests Meta will compete in the metaverse space through mobile and web channels rather than VR-exclusive experiences, directly challenging Roblox and Fortnite's dominance; (4) May accelerate industry consolidation around cross-platform metaverse experiences rather than VR-specific ecosystems; (5) Leaves Quest's future uncertain regarding hardware subsidies and content roadmap, potentially impacting the broader VR gaming market if Meta reduces investment in VR gaming infrastructure[2].