Meta Rolls Out AI Features for Quest Headsets

Meta Quest update brings quality-of-life improvements: Meta has rolled out a new update for its Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro virtual reality headsets, introducing several enhancements to user experience and functionality.

• The update, version 69, comes ahead of the upcoming Meta Connect conference scheduled for September 25-26, 2024.
• While not featuring any major overhauls, the update focuses on refining existing features and adding new capabilities to improve overall usability.

Meta AI gets voice activation: Users in the US and Canada can now activate Meta AI using a voice command, streamlining access to the virtual assistant.

• The “Hey Meta” wake word can be enabled in the Meta AI Settings menu.
• Meta AI offers features such as an LLM Chatbot for real-time conversations and a vision mode for identifying real-world objects.
• The AI assistant can be toggled on or off in the Experimental Settings menu of Quest headsets.

Enhanced multitasking capabilities: The update expands on the multitasking features introduced in version 67, making them more accessible and immersive.

• Users can now have three windows open side-by-side and three additional freeform windows, totaling six simultaneous windows.
• Spatial audio has been added to multitasking, creating a more realistic sound experience for each window.
• A new Seamless Multitasking feature allows users to keep the universal menu and up to three windows open while using immersive applications.

Library decluttering option: Meta has introduced a new feature to help users manage their app libraries more effectively.

• The “Remove from library” option allows users to hide unwanted content, such as demos or uninstalled apps, from view.
• This feature aims to make it easier for users to find and access the content they actually want to use.

Stylus support introduction: The update brings compatibility for tracked styluses, enhancing drawing and interaction capabilities in VR and mixed reality environments.

• Compatible devices like the upcoming Logitech MX Ink can now be used to interact with the universal menu and supported apps.
• A new Stylus settings menu has been added for configuring button mapping and adjusting pressure sensitivity.

Additional minor improvements: The update also includes several smaller enhancements to further refine the Quest experience.

• Quicker Bluetooth pairing for accessories like headphones and gamepads.
• Content-adaptive backlight controls for improved contrast and battery life.
• Automatic placement in a stationary boundary when entering Horizon Home without a pre-set boundary.

Looking ahead to Meta Connect: While this update prepares Quest devices for the upcoming conference, users anticipate potential announcements of new hardware and major software developments.

• Speculation surrounds the possibility of a more accessible Meta Quest 3S and potential augmented reality glasses.
• The conference’s opening keynote is expected to reveal Meta’s latest innovations in the virtual and augmented reality space.