All articles tagged with #meta quest
Meta says Horizon Worlds will become a mobile-only experience, removing it from the Quest Store on March 31; users who already have the app can continue to use it until June 15, after which Horizon Worlds on Quest will be sunsetted and limited to a mobile experience (with the legs feature accessible on mobile).
In 2025, both Apple and Meta faced significant challenges in the VR headset market, with Apple shipping only 45,000 Vision Pro units and Meta experiencing a 16% decline in Quest shipments, amid a broader market downturn and reduced advertising. Despite the slump in consumer VR, the market for smart glasses is booming, with IDC projecting a 211.2% growth in 2025, and Apple and Meta exploring enterprise and educational applications for their devices. The market is expected to recover somewhat in 2026, especially for Apple with plans for a lower-cost headset targeting enterprise use.
This article highlights five essential Meta Quest apps that enhance VR experiences beyond gaming, including social movie watching with Bigscreen Beta, streaming PC games via Steam Link, language learning with Mondly VR, mental wellness through Mindway, and fitness with Supernatural, showcasing the versatility of VR for entertainment, education, and health.
Despite advancements in VR headset technology, including lighter designs and better displays, consumer interest and sales continue to decline, suggesting that VR headsets remain niche devices compared to emerging alternatives like smart glasses.
Meta has announced three new free features for its Quest VR headsets, including Horizon TV for streaming multiple services with high-quality audio and 3D effects, Horizon Studio AI editor for creating virtual worlds with verbal prompts, and Hyperspace Capture for quickly creating digital replicas of your environment, available exclusively for Quest 3 and Quest 3S.
Leaked images suggest Xbox is collaborating with Meta to create a limited-edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, sparking mixed reactions among fans. The collaboration may also hint at future VR support for Xbox games, though details remain uncertain. The leak comes amid Xbox's broader hardware expansion efforts, including a new handheld PC, the ROG Xbox Ally.
Microsoft has launched the Mixed Reality Link app in preview for Windows 11, allowing users to connect their PCs to Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets. This integration enables the use of up to three virtual monitors within the VR space, enhancing productivity by turning the headset into a virtual workstation. The app is available for download from the Microsoft Store, though it currently excludes Quest 2 and Quest Pro users. As it's in preview, users may encounter some bugs and are encouraged to provide feedback.
Target's Black Friday sale is live, offering significant discounts on popular items like the Nintendo Switch, Apple AirPods Pro, and Meta Quest VR headsets. The sale includes exclusive deals for Target Circle members and extends to a wide range of products, including gaming consoles, smart glasses, and household items. Notable offers include a $75 discount on Nintendo Switch bundles, Apple AirPods Pro for $153.99, and a $75 gift card with the purchase of a Meta Quest 3S VR headset. The sale runs until November 29.
Microsoft announced at Microsoft Ignite 2024 that it will bring the full capabilities of Windows 11 to the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets in December, allowing users to access a local or cloud-based Windows PC. This integration will enable a mixed reality experience akin to a multi-monitor workstation, with support for 3D apps through Volumetric Apps. Developers can access an API to create 3D Windows desktop app plug-ins, expanding on Microsoft's previous efforts to integrate Windows features with Meta headsets.
Microsoft has announced a new feature that allows Meta Quest 3 and 3S headset users to wirelessly stream Windows 11 from their PCs into a VR environment. This integration, unveiled at the Ignite 2024 event, enables users to set up virtual desktops that can be resized and used for work, either locally or via Windows 365 cloud. The feature will be available in preview starting December, highlighting a growing partnership between Microsoft and Meta, as Microsoft shifts focus from its own VR hardware to collaborations.
Meta Quest will soon allow users to stream Netflix in high quality directly from its Browser app, offering a better viewing experience than the outdated 480p Netflix app. This update eliminates the need for workarounds like sideloading or using Virtual Desktop mode. Additionally, Meta is introducing background audio support and other improvements for the Quest 3.
Lumafield's blog post and YouTube video showcase the internal workings of an Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and Quest Pro through X-ray scans, revealing the costly components and design intricacies that contribute to the high price of the Apple headset compared to Meta's more affordable options. While the content may not offer in-depth technical insights, it has garnered attention online for providing a fascinating look into the inner workings of these popular devices.
Non-destructive CT scans of the Apple Vision Pro reveal a meticulous array of cameras, sensors, and technology, showcasing its precise engineering. Lumafield's comparison with Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro highlights the frugal construction and value of the devices, while emphasizing the potential of the Vision Pro as a spatial computer ushering in a new era of technology and media. The detailed teardown offers insights into the design, displays, sensors, processors, batteries, thermal management, and audio systems, particularly highlighting the complex sensor array including eye-tracking IR cameras, LiDAR scanner, TrueDepth camera system, hand tracking cameras, and MEMS microphones.
CT scans by Lumafield reveal the unique internal design of the Apple Vision Pro compared to its rivals, showcasing its efficient use of space, advanced sensor technologies, and micro-blower thermal management. The Vision Pro's flexible PCB ribbon and electronics arrangement contrasts with the more traditional approach of the Meta Quest Pro and Quest 3. Additionally, the Vision Pro prioritizes performance with an external battery pack, while the Meta Quest models integrate the battery within the headset for user convenience.
Homeworld: Vast Reaches is a VR game built for Meta Quest 2 and 3, set between the events of Homeworld and Homeworld 2, with a single-player story campaign and new music by Paul Ruskay. The game features simplified controls, rock-paper-scissors style combat, and a unique augmented reality mode on Quest 3. It aims to provide an immersive experience in the Homeworld universe and is set to launch close to the release of Homeworld 3.