Meta, Microsoft and the Big League Kick Off the Metaverse Standards Forum
Metaverse leaders like Meta and Microsoft have teamed up—alongside chip makers, gaming titans, and even the W3C—to create a new standards group that aims to make all their virtual worlds talk to one another. The initiative, unveiled on June 21, hopes to break the silos that are currently holding back a fully connected metaverse.
Who’s in the Mix?
- Meta (formerly Facebook) – pushing the “Cambria” mixed‑reality headset.
- Microsoft – a major partner in the metaverse space.
- Nvidia – chairing the Forum with its CEO, Neil Trevett.
- W3C – bringing its web‑standards expertise.
- Chip makers & gaming companies – all the heavy hitters behind the hardware.
Missing But Not Forgotten
Apple is currently not part of the roster, though it’s widely expected to jump in soon with a mixed‑reality headset. Eye‑watering speculation surrounds Apple’s potential entry, which could set the company on a direct collision course with Meta’s ambitious vision.
Gaming names like Roblox and Niantic are also absent, and the crypto‑based metaverse pioneers The Sandbox and Decentraland are not on the guest list yet. When the Forum opens its doors to any company—crypto included—its goal is to pave the way for real‑world interoperability.
Why Apple’s Absence Matters
Apple’s legacy in web standards—think HTML5—has already shaped the web. For 3D content, Apple teamed with Pixar to develop the USDZ file format and partnered with Adobe to champion its adoption.
With the Forum’s call for inclusive participation, many wonder how Apple’s eventual join‑in will influence the standard‑making process. As the group aims to unite a bustling ecosystem of standards bodies and private players, Apple’s vote could be the linchpin for a truly open metaverse.
Meta’s “Cambria” and Beyond
Meta, rebranded last year to realign its strategy around the metaverse, has already announced its mixed‑reality headset, code‑named Cambria, slated for release this year. If Apple introduces a headset next or this year, the competition will heighten, with each company vying for the ultimate seat at the virtual table.
