The release of the new Meta Quest Lifestyle app accelerator could help speed up extended reality development. It’s a great time to be a developer in the XR space.
New headsets and hardware are constantly emerging, creating new opportunities to experiment with spatial computing and cutting-edge immersive experiences. McKinsey says the metaverse could create $5 trillion in value by 2030. Additionally, enterprise adoption of XR is also on the rise.
Additionally, there are a number of excellent software development kits available, giving beginners all the tools they need to design XR experiences. Currently, Meta, one of the leaders in the augmented reality and metaverse space, is actively funding creators who want to build their own apps for Quest.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Lifestyle App Accelerator program, from how to apply to what you can create with the funding.
What is Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator?
Announced on June 18, 2024, the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator is a program that offers seed-stage grants to developers who want to build apps for the Quest ecosystem. In addition to funding, developers will also receive product resources and mentorship from VC partners and the Meta team.
According to Meta, the program is intended to support “organic innovation” in the augmented reality market and encourage the development of new experiences for the Quest ecosystem. The Quest app store is home to hundreds of apps, ranging from business tools like Microsoft Teams to games.
But Meta wants to take its service to the next level and drive adoption of XR devices by empowering new developers, which is one of the reasons the company is introducing a new “open ecosystem strategy” in 2024 and making its Meta Horizon operating system available to all users.
How does the program work?
While few details have been released, the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator program seems relatively straightforward: Meta says that any eligible developer can apply to join the program starting today, and that a dedicated team will review applications.
Selected participants will receive funding at three “paid milestones” throughout the six-month program, which will enable them to prototype their concept in small teams. In addition to this funding, applicants will receive a range of support.
First, Meta Quest will provide access to resources from venture partners committed to cultivating the ecosystem, including Boost VC, Anorak Ventures, and Lightspeed. Meta will also provide access to mentorship, coaching, and peer learning opportunities.
Additionally, teams in countries where Meta Quest 3 is available can apply to receive up to three development kits, which must then be returned to Meta. Applications close on October 15, 2024, and teams will be selected by the end of the year.
Why the focus on “lifestyle”?
In a blog post announcing the new program, Meta emphasized that the App Accelerator is specifically designed for fun, entertaining “lifestyle” experiences, which may seem a bit odd given the number of lifestyle-focused apps that already exist.
Additionally, Meta certainly seems to be increasing its focus on enterprise consumers, recently launching the “Meta Quest for Business,” and the Quest 3 also comes with a number of features that will appeal to enterprise users.
But Meta says it’s now focused on showing people from all walks of life the benefits of mixed reality “beyond just gaming.” At the Meta Quest 3 launch, Zac Reid walked users through how the device can help them learn to play an instrument using apps like PianoVision.
Meta believes there aren’t enough such apps that give users access to unique fashion, DIY, arts & crafts, and other experiences, which is why the company launched the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator with a clear focus on the “lifestyle” category.
What types of apps does the Accelerator support?
The category of “lifestyle apps” is a bit broad. Technically, many things could be classified as lifestyle apps. For example, I use Microsoft Teams outside of work to help me manage my work and personal schedule, communicate with others, learn, and grow.
Luckily, Meta has shared some concrete examples of what it expects from developers in its Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator program, saying it hopes creators will use Horizon OS, Quest 3, and the Presence platform to build lifestyle apps in specific categories that leverage mixed reality, AI, and hand tracking.
Categories
The main categories are:
- fashion: Developers can create virtual fitting rooms for customers with AI assistants for personalized styling, or they can design infinite closets where customers can try out different styles and use design tools to create clothing.
- Handmade: If you’ve ever struggled with a DIY project using only YouTube videos, Meta thinks mixed reality can help: The company is encouraging the creation of apps that improve the project, renovation, repair and home decor experience.
- design: Although Meta has announced that it does not support B2B apps, I think this is one category that will appeal to B2B companies. Design tools for virtual prototyping and spatial visualization will certainly have an impact on product design and the industrial metaverse.
- music: Building on the example set with the Meta Quest 3 release, the XR company is encouraging teams to create apps that help users make music, learn how to use more instruments, and experiment with their musical creativity.
- cooking: Meta wants to help developers turn every homeowner into a chef with a unique app that allows them to try recipes, learn cooking techniques, and discover how to prepare food more effectively.
- Arts and Crafts: Meta hopes that developers will create apps for craft-loving consumers, ideally with hand-tracking and AI capabilities, that can help them design new products, experiment with different crafting styles and learn new skills.
Meta says these are just a few examples aimed at inspiring participants in its Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator program, and it hopes developers will explore opportunities in everything from dating and beauty to shopping.
Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator: What’s not supported?
In its announcement, Meta said it’s “exciting” to see what unique experiences developers come up with across different categories, suggesting there will be some creative freedom, but there will also be some restrictions.
The company has made it clear that it is looking for developers and founders who are focused on the lifestyle sector and want to push mixed reality efforts forward, not Series B companies that have already raised money to develop an app.
Additionally, marketing-focused apps, B2B apps targeted at professionals, and education-oriented applications were not considered, which seems odd given the growing popularity of immersive collaboration and training apps for corporate users.
Meta also advises against applying if you’re building a video game app, a media app (such as Disney+), or anything related to fitness, wellness, or sports (for now).
However, there is no guarantee that Meta won’t create different versions of the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator program for different types of developers. As I said above, I think some “lifestyle” apps will appeal to B2B users, like the proposed “design” app.
Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator: How to Apply
Applications for the program open on June 18th and close on October 15th, 2024, so now is the time to apply for funding. Application forms can be found on the Meta Quest website, but we encourage you to review all terms and conditions and eligibility requirements before applying.
Please note that at least one member of your development team must have a technical background and one year of development experience using Unreal Engine and Unity, for example, and pitch applications are limited to one, so you cannot seek funding for multiple projects.
You don’t have to be incorporated to apply for the Meta Quest App Accelerator program, but you must be a legally recognized commercial business entity.
What to include in your pitch
Meta offers some handy FAQ guidance for newbies who want to join the program, but in most cases, here’s what you should include in your pitch:
- Team details: Share insight into the work your team has done so far, their background in the XR industry, and their skill sets. Remember, at least one team member should have a technical background and development experience.
- Product vision: Perhaps the most important part of your pitch, outline your target market, the problem you’re trying to solve, and your business model. Highlight why you should be considered for the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator program and how you’ll use the latest features of Quest 3.
- Milestone Data: Outline what you hope to achieve throughout the project. You should be able to deliver a mechanical proof of concept within 3 months. Full product design documentation and vertical slices should be delivered by the end of the project.
- Development Overview: Explain where you are in the development and fundraising process. Share how much you expect development to cost, how much funding you’re applying for, and whether you’ve already raised funding.
The Future of MetaQuest Development
The launch of the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator program marks a major step forward for Meta, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to growing adoption and empowering developer creativity in the XR space.
It’s unusual for Meta to currently focus solely on the “lifestyle” vertical, but that could change — for example, Meta said it’s not considering nonprofits or fitness apps “at this time,” but that doesn’t mean it won’t consider them in the future.
In the meantime, if you want to build something new for the metaverse, now is your chance to apply. Good luck!