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The Meta Quest headsets just got another major update. Version 71, or v71, brings updates to recently released features and overhauls the user interface (UI). Meta describes it as “enormous”, and it is the first update since the Meta Quest 3S launched in September.
While Meta describes this as “enormous”, it’s quite a lot of tweaks to existing features. The main new addition is a calendar app, which is what it says on the tin. Meta isn’t just positioning the Quest lineup as a fun, interactive toy anymore.
With the recent developments in the mixed reality space – combining both augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) – and the improved video passthrough functionality, Meta has been pointing to a productivity-focused future for the headsets.
This isn’t just to feed into Meta’s lampooned Meta Horizon Worlds or VR meetings but also seems to be firing back at Apple. While Apple’s Vision Pro was by no means a success, it did spur mixed reality options like XReal to boast productivity over fun and games.
Meta appears to be following the pack in quietly filling in the gaps that the $3500 Apple headset didn’t fill.
On the back of that, the Facebook company is updating its Travel Mode to not only support air travel. You’ll now be able to use the headsets relatively comfortably on the train, without the sensors freaking out due to erratic movements.
v71 is coming. Here’s what’s new:
🧰 New Look
⚙️ Link Updates
📆 Calendar Integration
📽 Video Sharing
🔊 Volume MixerFull details on the Meta Quest blog. https://t.co/ZcMPOn11BA pic.twitter.com/tBCulmGqyL
— Meta Quest (@MetaQuestVR) November 1, 2024
Meta Quest v71 smooths over existing features
Travel mode limits various functionality on the Quest to ensure that things like AR and tracking don’t move out of view as you blast down the tracks. This is listed as coming to the 2, 3, and 3S, with no mention of the Quest Pro. However, v71 is coming to the Quest Pro, and Travel Mode is supported there too.
Spatial video is also on the list of updates. The 3D-esque viewing experience needed video uploaded via an app before it hit the headset. Now Meta is allowing you to simply share these videos in another app, but that can be viewed directly on the headsets app without needing to upload it directly.
Yes, Meta did just update uploading spatial video via an app by making you upload it, via an app.
For those looking for gaming news out of this update, v71 is going to improve using the Quest on PCs. Meta states that they’re “streamlining” accessing your full desktop over a wired connection, rather than just using the Remote Desktop app. You’ll also be able to find Remote Desktop in the quick settings now, so you don’t have to fumble through the UI as much.
Quest UI gets much needed refresh after 3S launch
The star of the show is the UI changes, which offer a reconfigured settings app to “quickly find exactly what you’re looking for” – a welcome change for anyone regularly tinkering. Dark and light themes have also been refreshed, which brings new contrasts when viewing them, making them easier to read. Meta has also moved the control bar too. A volume mixer is finally being added, so you can find that sweet spot between game audio and your music playlist.
Version 71 is coming to all available Quest headsets, including the 2 and Pro. Of course, the 3 and 3S will get it too.
Featured image: Meta
