forbes.com
Meta's Horizon OS v76 Beta Introduces Selective Screen Sharing for VR
Meta's Horizon OS version 76 beta includes a new feature allowing users to share individual app panels within VR, avoiding full-screen sharing limitations and copyright issues, discovered via code analysis by UploadVR.
- What are the key functionalities and limitations of Meta's new selective screen-sharing feature for Horizon OS v76?
- Meta is reportedly developing a new screen-sharing feature for its Horizon OS, version 76, allowing users to share individual app panels within VR environments like Horizon Worlds and Home. This selective screen sharing differs from existing full-view options, addressing potential copyright issues with licensed content like movies and TV shows.
- How does Meta's new screen-sharing feature address existing limitations or copyright concerns of full-screen sharing in VR environments?
- This feature, discovered through code analysis, suggests Meta is adapting its VR platform to support more versatile interactions and collaborations. The selective nature of the screen share aims to avoid copyright infringement while facilitating various applications, such as sharing web browser content.
- What are the broader implications of this new feature for the future of VR collaboration and productivity, considering the expansion of Horizon OS to third-party devices and the emergence of Android XR?
- The selective screen-sharing functionality points towards a broader trend of integrating VR into productivity and collaborative workflows. As Meta's Horizon OS expands to include third-party headsets and with the upcoming Android XR competition, features like this enhance the platform's appeal and functionality.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the new screen-sharing feature as a positive development, highlighting its potential benefits for developers and users. While it acknowledges limitations, the overall tone is optimistic and emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the feature. The headline, if there were one, would likely focus on the innovation rather than potential downsides.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, although phrases like "major digital rights no-no" inject a slightly informal and subjective tone. The article largely avoids loaded language, and the description of the feature is fairly balanced.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the new screen-sharing feature and its potential uses and limitations within the Meta ecosystem. However, it omits discussion of the potential privacy concerns associated with this feature, especially regarding the sharing of sensitive information or potentially copyrighted material. It also doesn't delve into the technical challenges involved in implementing such a feature across various apps and devices.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by implying that the screen-sharing feature is only useful for productivity-focused devices like the Apple Vision Pro, while downplaying its potential applications in gaming and social VR environments like Horizon Worlds. The usefulness of the feature is not solely dependent on the device it's used with.
Sustainable Development Goals
By making VR technology more accessible through collaboration with other manufacturers and the development of features like screen sharing, Meta could potentially bridge the digital divide and promote equal access to information and communication technologies. This aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) as well, as it fosters innovation in the VR space and enhances infrastructure for broader access.