The latest Meta Quest update brings a slew of new features to headsets new and old, including legs!
Despite the fact that the Quest 2 has been one of the best VR headsets around for a while now, the Quest’s operating system (OS) still feels unpolished. Even with the Quest 3’s impressive spec bump, that didn’t really change much.
But here’s the deal: Meta needs to step up its game and work on improving the OS on different fronts, such as interface (UI), user experience (UX) and overall feature set. After all, the Quest 3 did launch, but with quite a lot of features coming “at a later time”.
And now, through the knowledge of this préambule, you’ll understand why I’m excited for updates like the v59, which is currently rolling out and may be reaching a Quest 2, Quest Pro or Quest 3 near you any time.
And why is that, I hear you ask? Well, because this update from Meta doesn’t bring just a couple of new things and a bunch of fixes — which is what smart-tech owners have come to expect nowadays — but actually a slew of new features, some of which extend to older headsets too.
I know that you’re aching for the rundown, so here we go:
Are you tired of drawing the same custom boundary every time? Are you in need of your headset to finally memorize the exact level of your floor? Then this one's for you, as it does exactly what you imagine it does. And yes, you can edit the result before saving!
If you are planning on enjoying mixed-reality experiences? Well, then you can start prepping with this one. Just walk around your home and it will automatically map out all surfaces that you can use! That will certainly give you something to do until the big 2024 update with promised XR features comes to the Quest 3.
This is Battery Saver. It saves battery. It also lowers graphical settings in order to achieve that, but hey: it gives you more time in XR!
So. First Encounters is the cute little interactive experience that plays whenever you first boot up a Quest headset. And, I’ll be honest: it’s one of the best things that you can do in VR, as it really sets high expectations. As such, a lot of people — like me — want to replay it and try to hit every target during that specific part. So now, we can do that at any time through this nifty shortcut!
One of the Quest Pro’s unique features is no longer unique. Soon, you’ll be able to mirror your PC’s desktop in VR on the Quest 3 and the Quest 2. While this is a welcome bonus, keep in mind that Remote Display has been in Beta since forever now, so it’s not a perfect experience.
This one was promised long ago and brought up time and again by Meta officials, but we’re finally there, folks: legs are here. Who thought you could be this excited about legs? If you’re a fan of Horizon Home, then you’ll be able to enjoy your new legs very soon!
Now, this one is likely to feel different on every headset, as they don’t work in exactly identical ways, but the goal here is to make interactions with virtual objects feel as natural as it can. So, basically: expect a slight overall improvement.
Once upon a time, if you had a Quest headset, it would always update automatically. But after this update, you’ll have access to a toggle in Settings, which will be set to Off by default.
Sure.
The Meta Quest app will now let parents access the Meta Family Center directly. The features it offers are set to expand soon too, as it will allow you to set daily time limits and schedule breaks for your kids. Neat!
For the VR streamers, this one you’ll have to sign up for here. Will this mean that normal YouTube users will one day get to view the live chat in VR? Ah, life's mysteries!
If you’re an update nerd like me, then you may want to browse the full update release notes over on Meta’s website. But what if you’re more interested in installing the update? Ah, well, I thought you’d never ask!
And in 99.9% of cases, this should be all that you'll ever need to do, because as already established: the update that you’re trying to summon is the one that allows you to toggle off automatic updates, so you don’t get a choice as of the time being anyway.
Still, if you’re eager to check manually for the update, here is the second batch of steeps:
Now, I know that all of us are excited for this rather hefty software update, but bear in mind: sometimes it takes a couple of weeks before it becomes available to everyone. But you know what? This time it sounds like it’s worth the wait.
I mean, come on: legs! Finally!
But here’s the deal: Meta needs to step up its game and work on improving the OS on different fronts, such as interface (UI), user experience (UX) and overall feature set. After all, the Quest 3 did launch, but with quite a lot of features coming “at a later time”.
And why is that, I hear you ask? Well, because this update from Meta doesn’t bring just a couple of new things and a bunch of fixes — which is what smart-tech owners have come to expect nowadays — but actually a slew of new features, some of which extend to older headsets too.
Fixes and features for the Quest 3:
Suggested Boundary:
Are you tired of drawing the same custom boundary every time? Are you in need of your headset to finally memorize the exact level of your floor? Then this one's for you, as it does exactly what you imagine it does. And yes, you can edit the result before saving!
Assisted Space Setup:
If you are planning on enjoying mixed-reality experiences? Well, then you can start prepping with this one. Just walk around your home and it will automatically map out all surfaces that you can use! That will certainly give you something to do until the big 2024 update with promised XR features comes to the Quest 3.
Battery Saver:
This is Battery Saver. It saves battery. It also lowers graphical settings in order to achieve that, but hey: it gives you more time in XR!
For Quest 3, Quest 2 and Quest Pro:
Shortcut to First Encounters:
So. First Encounters is the cute little interactive experience that plays whenever you first boot up a Quest headset. And, I’ll be honest: it’s one of the best things that you can do in VR, as it really sets high expectations. As such, a lot of people — like me — want to replay it and try to hit every target during that specific part. So now, we can do that at any time through this nifty shortcut!
Remote Display:
One of the Quest Pro’s unique features is no longer unique. Soon, you’ll be able to mirror your PC’s desktop in VR on the Quest 3 and the Quest 2. While this is a welcome bonus, keep in mind that Remote Display has been in Beta since forever now, so it’s not a perfect experience.
Avatar Legs:
This one was promised long ago and brought up time and again by Meta officials, but we’re finally there, folks: legs are here. Who thought you could be this excited about legs? If you’re a fan of Horizon Home, then you’ll be able to enjoy your new legs very soon!
Hand tracking improvements for MR:
Now, this one is likely to feel different on every headset, as they don’t work in exactly identical ways, but the goal here is to make interactions with virtual objects feel as natural as it can. So, basically: expect a slight overall improvement.
Settings for Updates:
Once upon a time, if you had a Quest headset, it would always update automatically. But after this update, you’ll have access to a toggle in Settings, which will be set to Off by default.
Sure.
Parental Supervision:
The Meta Quest app will now let parents access the Meta Family Center directly. The features it offers are set to expand soon too, as it will allow you to set daily time limits and schedule breaks for your kids. Neat!
YouTube Live Chat Early Access:
For the VR streamers, this one you’ll have to sign up for here. Will this mean that normal YouTube users will one day get to view the live chat in VR? Ah, life's mysteries!
Shoutout to the random ones:
- The People tab now allows you to stalk your friends
- It will also allow quick access to calls and invitations
- Chats in VR now support reactions and stickers, and you can also send images
- Found a bug? Press the Meta button (the right one) five times to report it!
If you’re an update nerd like me, then you may want to browse the full update release notes over on Meta’s website. But what if you’re more interested in installing the update? Ah, well, I thought you’d never ask!
How to check if the latest Meta Quest update is available for you:
- Boot up your headset and make sure that its charged up
- Keep it turned on and connected to WiFi
- Leave it and go touch some grass or your friendly household pet
- Don’t worry if it’s off or asleep: it can still update
And in 99.9% of cases, this should be all that you'll ever need to do, because as already established: the update that you’re trying to summon is the one that allows you to toggle off automatic updates, so you don’t get a choice as of the time being anyway.
- Press the Meta button (the right-side one)
- Open up the Quick Settings panel via tapping on the Clock to the left
- Open up Settings
- Under System, tap Software Update
- If it says v59, you’re already there. If it’s available, it will allow you to download it with the press of a button
Now, I know that all of us are excited for this rather hefty software update, but bear in mind: sometimes it takes a couple of weeks before it becomes available to everyone. But you know what? This time it sounds like it’s worth the wait.
I mean, come on: legs! Finally!
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