Blogs

Meta Quest Enhances Features with V71 Update

Written by Erin Finister | Nov 4, 2024 5:14:29 PM

Meta Quest's v71 update introduces groundbreaking features, including seamless Meta Quest Link Remote Desktop integration, enhancing the overall VR experience.

Revolutionising VR with Meta Quest Link Remote Desktop

 

Meta Quest’s latest v71 update is a game-changer, bringing substantial improvements to the Meta Quest Link that enhance connectivity, convenience, and user experience in virtual reality. With the integration of Remote Desktop directly into the Meta Quest Link PC app, users can now seamlessly access their PC from within their Quest headset without needing to download a separate app. This streamlined process not only saves time but also reduces complexity, creating a smoother, more efficient VR setup experience.

The v71 update also introduces a Quick Settings shortcut for Meta Quest Link, enabling users to connect with a single tap, making it even easier to dive into PC VR streaming. For those who want to share their immersive experience, the new casting option allows users to cast Quest headset content to the Meta Quest Link PC app, expanding on previous methods that relied on the Meta Horizon app, Chromecast, or a browser. This enhancement makes it simpler to broadcast VR gameplay or share work applications, ideal for horizon chats or team collaboration in virtual environments.

These improvements represent big changes that further expand Meta’s vision for VR and augmented reality (AR). As Meta continues to develop features in Meta Horizon and pursue breakthroughs in AR glasses, updates like v71 mark essential steps toward a more integrated future. Users will be able to access a wide range of applications—from productivity to entertainment—with unmatched convenience. This update ultimately positions Meta Quest Link as a versatile tool, making VR accessible for both casual and professional users, and solidifying Meta's position at the forefront of immersive technology.

Enhanced Horizon OS for an Immersive Experience

The Meta Quest v71 update brings a fresh redesign to Horizon OS, making both the dark and light themes more user-friendly by enhancing readability and contrast. This new look extends throughout the control panels and interface elements, giving users a more polished experience in Meta Quest. With an optimised layout, the control bar has been repositioned for easier access, while updated colours bring a modern aesthetic, making navigation more seamless and visually immersive.

One of the most notable changes is the complete redesign of Meta Quest settings, which streamlines the settings menu for faster, more intuitive navigation. This overhaul makes it easier to access commonly used features, offering a clearer, more organised layout. The search function has also been improved, allowing users to quickly locate apps, system settings, and other content within Horizon OS. Whether they’re exploring new Meta Quest 3S features or diving into Microsoft integrations, users will find it much simpler to tailor their experience to their needs.

The update introduces a Calendar app, a valuable tool for productivity that enables users to manage schedules directly from their Meta Quest headset.

Coupled with Travel Mode, this feature supports those on the move or commuting, allowing them to stay connected to meetings or events without interruptions in virtual environments. Travel Mode adjusts system performance to adapt to changing internet quality, ensuring stability even when on the move. This is especially useful for remote workers or frequent travellers who need VR for training, virtual meetings, or other professional tasks.

These updates to the Meta Quest v71 create a more versatile VR system, emphasising convenience, productivity, and accessibility. Whether users are managing their calendar through the new app, staying updated with Meta Quest news, or exploring the redesigned interface, these enhancements mark a significant leap toward a more integrated VR workspace. The v71 release not only improves the Meta Quest headset experience but also sets a foundation for future innovations in VR with Meta, positioning it as a leader in immersive technology.

Continuous Space Setup for Seamless Room Scanning

The Quest v71 update introduces Continuous Space Setup, a highly practical feature that allows users to update their room layout in Meta Quest without needing to start a new scan each time they change their setup. This feature is perfect for users who frequently adjust their physical spaces, as it eliminates the hassle of recreating the VR environment from scratch. Now, after an initial room scan, the Meta Quest displays a representation of the scanned environment, allowing users to revisit Space Setup to make quick updates as needed.

The Continuous Space Setup feature is especially valuable for those using VR in dynamic environments, such as Train Mode and Travel Mode. These modes allow VR use on the go by optimising performance to adapt to varying connectivity or spatial configurations, making VR a convenient tool for both train travellers and commuters. The ability to quickly update the VR environment is ideal for people using Meta Quest for work or productivity on the move, as they can maintain an accurate VR setup across changing locations.

This update complements other productivity tools introduced in v71, such as the Calendar app, which integrates into the Meta Quest system to help users manage schedules, meetings, and reminders within the VR space. With improved interface navigation in the redesigned Horizon OS, this quest v71 update also enhances the overall look and feel of the user interface, supporting a more intuitive experience. Alongside features like Continuous Space Setup and Travel Mode, the Quest headset becomes an even more versatile device for professional and personal use.

These innovations make the v71 release a pivotal one, positioning Meta Quest as a leader in immersive VR environments.

AI-Powered Facial Expressions for Meta Avatars

The v71 update introduces a new AI feature called Audio to Expression, which derives convincing facial expressions and lip sync signals from microphone input. While a similar feature called Lipsync already existed, it only animated the mouth. Audio to Expression goes a step further by covering the upper half of the face, including the upper cheeks, eyelids, and eyebrows.

This enhancement makes Meta avatars more realistic and expressive, significantly improving user interactions within the VR environment. Whether it's for social interactions or professional meetings, these realistic facial expressions add a new level of immersion to the VR experience.

Advanced Audio and Visual Enhancements

Meta Quest's v71 update also brings several audio and visual enhancements, including support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Surround in selected browser content. This provides users with a more immersive audio experience, and Meta plans to expand support for other content providers in the near future.

Additionally, Meta has adjusted the frame rates of the cameras to match the frame rates of the display, ensuring smoother passthrough visuals. These enhancements, along with the new volume mixer that allows users to adjust the volume of calls, apps, and media independently, significantly improve the overall audio and visual quality of the VR experience.