The Oculus Quest 2 is receiving its first software update of the year, adding new control and interface features to enhance practical use of the VR headset. The update, which includes new support for an Apple device, is productivity-focused, consistent with Meta’s vision for work-oriented VR applications.
The Oculus Quest, also known as Meta Quest, is a virtual reality headset. Initially developed by Oculus, a division of Meta Platforms, the first Quest released in 2019 and works as a standalone headset which can run Android-based apps. The Quest 2 arrived the following year with some physical improvements, including a better resolution screen and lighter build. Therebranding from Facebook to Meta, as well as the rapid updates to the Quest, might have something to do with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for the metaverse, which the company has been pivoting towards in the past year.
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The v37 update adds some key new features. First, the Quest now supports the Apple Magic Keyboard in VR, an idea which builds upon theLogitechK830 concept previously featured in v28. The keyboard can now be paired via Bluetooth to the Quest 2, and will show a 3D version of the device in VR. This will help make sure VR users don’t lose their keyboard while their vision is blocked by the headset, but it also helps those who aren’t too hot with their touch typing, pairing nicely with hand tracking. The option will be available under ‘Experimental Features’ in Settings.
Android users are being treated to a new ‘Link Me’ feature, which will allow users to share browser links from their phone straight to their headset. Sometimes getting set up in VR can feel like a chore, but this feature will help make the Oculus Quest 2 easier to use for quick media viewing. Unfortunately, iOS users will have to wait a little longer to get this feature, with support coming “in the near future.”
Other features in this update largely relate to the intuitiveness and visibility of workspaces and the interface in general. Support for control shortcuts usinghand gestures in VRhas been added, allowing more control when not holding a physical controller (e.g., while watching a movie). Windows will also behave differently, with tablet and desktop modes offering different types of 2D panel scaling, depending on how close the user wants the interface to be. Store, Library, Browser, and other 2D panels will consistently open in whichever mode the user has selected. Meanwhile, the Explore hub has been updated to better show recommendations, friend activity, and links users have sent from their phones.
The v37 update builds upon ease of use, an area that is crucial for VR headsets to get right. Allowing users to quickly send content from their phone to their headset is important, especially for a standalone device like the Quest. These sorts of features will help position the Quest as a headset which can be casually and frequently used, rather than gathering dust on a desk for being too awkward to jump into. Arguably, this is a problem for some of the bigger headsets like the HTC Vive andValve Index, which are tethered to a PC and bound for gaming activities rather than casual use.
