At VirtualSpeech, we’re committed to helping organizations navigate the evolving XR landscape. That’s why we’ve collaborated with ArborXR to bring you this resource, making it easier to understand Meta Horizon managed Services (HMS) and its impact on XR device management.

Who Is This Resource For?

This guide is intended for organizations utilizing Meta headsets across their teams and operations. With Meta’s latest v74 software update and evolving go-to-market strategies, it is essential to understand how these changes impact your organization, particularly if you are managing devices with a Multi-Device Management (MDM) service like ArborXR.

What Is Meta Horizon managed services?

Meta Horizon managed services (HMS) is Meta’s new first-party MDM for managing Meta Quest devices. Introduced as part of the v74 update, HMS provides a centralized method for overseeing devices and Meta accounts through the Admin Center, ensuring more straightforward deployment, updates, and overall management.

Overview of Meta’s v74 Update and Horizon managed services

The v74 update introduces significant changes to how organizations manage Meta Quest devices, especially for those using third-party MDMs like ArborXR. With the introduction of HMS, new devices must be enrolled into third party MDMs like ArborXR using HMS.

• Existing devices will continue operating as usual: Organizations must now use HMS to enroll new devices . Existing devices will continue to operate as usual. However, if a device is factory reset or if a 3P MDM is removed, re-enrollment must now go through HMS.
• Sideloading MDMs is no longer an option: Sideloading MDMs is no longer an option. Only Meta-approved third-party MDMs, such as ArborXR, can be utilized for device management.
• Quest for Business is now Meta Horizon Managed Services: Meta has rebranded Quest for Business under the new name Meta Horizon Managed Services, which now encompasses both enterprise and education use cases. This unification reflects a more structured and integrated approach to XR device management, aimed at improving security, scalability, and ease of use for organizations deploying XR at scale.

These updates enhance security, scalability, and ease of use for organizations managing XR deployments at scale.

Considerations and Benefits for 3P MDM Users

Managing Meta devices at scale has always been a challenge. However, with Meta’s latest updates, device setup is now a seamless Wi-Fi-based process, eliminating the need for cables, dummy accounts, or USB debugging.

Meta’s new APIs also provide MDMs with more powerful tools for remote management, app deployments, and security. For IT teams using an approved third-party MDM partner, these enhancements mean:

Key Benefits

• Faster 3P MDM Setup: Reduce device setup time through Wi-Fi-based enrollment, allowing your implementation to become operational quickly and efficiently.
• Expanded API Access: Gain greater control and access to enhanced features, improving the overall management experience.
• Seamless Management: Maintain focus on the right applications with streamlined environments that minimize distractions and ensure uninterrupted XR experiences.

Updates & Considerations for Meta Horizon managed services

Meta’s updates to HMS introduce valuable benefits but do require careful planning for organizations integrating XR device management at scale.

Device Purchasing & Enrollment

Meta devices must be purchased from an authorized Meta reseller and enrolled through HMS. New device bundles offer extended support and service agreements to ensure a smoother onboarding experience.

Migration for Existing Devices

To migrate existing devices to HMS, a factory reset and an HMS subscription are required for each device. Furthermore, devices must be re-enrolled using the new wireless enrollment method enabled by the integration.

Education-Specific Benefits

Schools can access long-term device management solutions when purchasing Quest devices with HMS, ensuring better long-term value and support.

Cross-Platform Flexibility

For organizations seeking more future-proof solutions that allow for device-type flexibility, it’s essential to consider device-agnostic solutions. While HMS is designed for Meta devices, third-party MDMs like ArborXR support multiple XR ecosystems, including PICO, HTC, Sony, and Samsung. This allows organizations to scale and adapt their deployments beyond a single vendor’s ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

XR technology continues to provide incredible opportunities for learning and training, from immersive soft skills development with VirtualSpeech to industry-specific simulations. With the launch of HMS, organizations can now manage deployments more efficiently. By leveraging a trusted MDM like ArborXR, businesses, and institutions can further streamline their processes, ensuring seamless device management and enhanced user experiences.

When considering your XR strategy, it’s essential to assess your organization’s needs, capabilities, and long-term goals. By staying informed and adopting the right tools, organizations can build scalable, flexible, and future-proof XR solutions.If you would like more information on ArborXR, MDMs, and Meta Horizon managed services, click here.

If you would like more information on ArborXR, MDMs, and Meta Horizon managed services, click here.

About ArborXR

ArborXR empowers organizations to effortlessly manage AR and VR devices with full control, distribute content, and scale with ease.