Meta Quest with Google Play Store is No Longer Coming—But Why?

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 09 November 2023, 09:11 pm

What could have been one of the most expansive experiences for the Meta Quest, now turned to stone, as reports claim Google's Play Store for Android is no longer coming for the platform. Quest with Google Play was poised to be a massive update for users, making Android apps available on the wearable tech experience from Meta should the talks agree upon a deal.

However, it was recently reported that this did not close, and now, the possibility of it is no longer on the table for both companies.

Meta Quest with Google Play is No Longer Coming

(Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth recently answered questions via his Instagram AMA (ask me anything) segment, where he addressed Android apps on the Quest platform. "Boz" claimed that there were initial talks with Google, with Meta reaching out to the company about its Play Store, but sadly, it is no longer coming in the present or near future.

According to Boz, "We would love for Google to bring their Play Store apps to VR-we've asked them, they don't wanna do it, and so, it's kinda up for the developers to do that."

This is regarding a question that a user asked about Quest 3 supporting 2D Android apps on the wearable headset, with this feature being more comprehensive.

What Happened Between Meta and Google?

UploadVR claimed that Meta and Google previously talked about this possibility, but ultimately, it did not make its way to the platform for unknown reasons as of now.

Boz and Quest have addressed this, as Android APKs are available to be installed to the wearable headsets via sideloading, but it also offers app developers a chance to bring it over to the Quest Store and modify it for enhanced controls.

Quest Apps and What it Has to Offer

The Meta Quest experience has offered the world a lot to enjoy for all virtual and augmented reality, especially now with the Quest 3 headset focusing on the XR. Its company also launched massive experiences and titles coming to the Quest platform earlier this year, centering on its Gaming Showcase which unveiled the many games slated for the AR and VR marketplace.

Not only that, Meta also added a new feature for Quest users to experience on their existing wearable device, and it was also made available via version 53 which allows downloading app updates even without using it. Before, Meta only allowed app updates when a user had turned on and used the headset, but that defeats the purpose of enjoying their gaming time after a long day.

Meta's Quest experience has greatly expanded throughout the years, but that is not yet the end of the line for the Menlo Park company's Reality Labs and what it has to offer gamers. However, Android apps will continue to be available via sideloading it to the wearable, as its deal with Google fell through, in what could have been the availability of the Play Store for Quest headsets.