The metaverse should be open. We’re building the browser that makes it so
The Open Metaverse Browser Initiative (OMBI), created by the Metaverse Standards Forum, is bringing standards organizations, technology companies, developers, and researchers together to build the spatial equivalent of the web browser. The goal is simple: open, interoperable, and owned by no single company. The choices being made today will define what the metaverse becomes tomorrow, and we would like you to be part of making them.
THE STAKES
Someone will build the metaverse browser. Let’s make sure it’s open
As spatial computing moves from concept to deployment, it is being integrated into the web to form the metaverse. Without open standards and a shared exemplar browser implementation, the metaverse risks fragmenting into closed silos — repeating the mistakes of AOL and CompuServe before the open web prevailed.
OMBI exists to prevent that. RP1 has contributed a working global-scale prototype as the foundation, which is now being open-sourced and transitioned to Forum governance.
WHY GET INVOLVED
The open metaverse needs your voice
ENTERPRISES
Deploy spatial services while retaining the data ownership, revenue control, and platform freedom you have on the web today — without dependence on any single vendor.
XR DEVICE VENDORS
An open software ecosystem will enable anyone to create content for the spatial web without app-installation barriers. Make sure your devices can reach every spatial service.
PLATFORM VENDORS
Open ecosystems build larger markets. Participating now shapes the standards your platforms will rely on.
STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS
Channel rich, real-world implementation feedback and requirements into your standardization mission, while leveraging an openly accessible interoperability testbed.
DEVELOPERS & RESEARCHERS
Contribute to a living testbed where abstract specifications become working systems — and your feedback shapes the standards enabling the metaverse.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Three ways to engage
01
Forum working groups
Join requirements, coordination, and outreach activities through Metaverse Standards Forum collaboration channels.
02
Open-source contribution
Contribute code, documentation, test cases, reference services, or developer tooling to the exemplar metaverse browser engine.
03
Standards engagement
Surface requirements, validate drafts, and coordinate work across relevant SDOs. OMBI is the bridge between implementation and specification.
RESOURCES
Go deeper
PRESENTATION
The Metaverse Browser Engine brings spatial computing to the web
This presentation was given at AWE in June of 2026. It introduces Sneeze and gives an update on the initiative.
WHITE PAPER
Open Metaverse Browser Architecture
The technical blueprint for the metaverse browser engine — how it should be built and why.
WHITE PAPER
Case for Metaverse Browser
RP1’s case for a standards-based metaverse and the role an open browser plays in achieving it.
WIKI
OMB Wiki
A living knowledge base for the ideas, standards, protocols, and implementation patterns behind OMBI.
NEWS
The latest
ARTICLE
Gamesbeat: Exclusive Interview – Metaverse Standards Forum Introduces Sneeze
GamesBeat interview of Metaverse Standards Forum President, Neil Trevett.
ARTICLE
Forbes Features Sneeze in AWE 2026 Recap
MSF’s announcement of the Sneeze engine is featured in this AWE recap.
PRESS RELEASE
Introducing Sneeze, the World’s First Open Metaverse Browser Engine
Press release announcing the first open metaverse browser engine (MBE).
PRESS RELEASE
Augmented World Expo 2026 Reveals Auggie Award Finalists
MSF’s Open Metaverse Browser is nominated for a 2026 AWE Auggie award for Most Ethical Product
BLOG
MSF and RP1 Create the Open Metaverse Browser Initiative
The Open Metaverse Browser Initiative has launched as an open-source effort to build the foundation for how the world will access spatial services.
CONTACT
Get in touch
Share your feedback
Help shape the initiative. Tell us what you need from an open metaverse browser. Submit feedback.
Questions about participation, sponsorship, or contributing to the initiative? Reach the OMBI team directly.
We’re grateful you’re here. We look forward to building the metaverse together.
General enquiries
ombi@metaverse-standards.org
Join the Forum
metaverse-standards.org/join
