Meta Aims for Quest to be the Android Equivalent in VR

The Meta Quest 3 hasn’t exactly been the talk of the town this year, and the latest updates to its hardware and apps aren’t likely to change that. But even with a dim spotlight, there’s more occurring within the Quest ecosystem that’s worth noting, especially if you’ve been following closely. The team behind Quest’s software has shared with Gizmodo some grand plans for VR, aiming to create a platform that’s as open and diverse as Android.

In a brief interview session, Sarah Malkin, Meta’s director of metaverse entertainment content, chatted with me about Quest’s future, and it’s all about expansion—more apps, more experiences, and even more headsets, potentially manufactured by other companies. Back in April, Meta revealed it would release Horizon OS as its own VR ecosystem. Tech players like Lenovo and Asus are already working on headsets that will support this new OS.

Malkin expressed, “We’re thrilled with the newcomers like Apple joining the VR space, but we’re confident that we’re the go-to platform. We offer the widest reach and the most variety for developers.”

The interviewer from Gizmodo echoed this sentiment, highlighting that consumer choice is key. The diversity from multiple companies using a single OS is what makes the Android model so effective.

Malkin agreed wholeheartedly, emphasizing that efforts are heavily invested in delivering more diverse experiences. She reiterated that Meta is on track to be the primary platform for creators, drawing in the most users with the widest selection of content.

For years, Meta’s aspirations for the “metaverse” have had a shaky foundation. The concept of virtual spaces has felt rather hollow since the company rebranded from Facebook. With the tech world consumed by AI, Meta’s Quest headsets have recently become more accessible. Services like Game Pass and SteamVR are now easier to access directly via Quest. The game library is expanding, and the interface is settling into place.

So, what exactly is the “more” they’re aiming for? It lies in third-party app developers. Thanks to Oculus and Quest’s history and competitive pricing compared to rivals like Apple’s Vision Pro, Meta has a slight advantage. They urgently need new content and applications for Quest, and the sooner, the better.

Regarding the recent updates for Meta Quest 3, they don’t offer anything groundbreaking. There are small tweaks, such as streaming Netflix via the browser with better quality and the launch of a travel mode. This mode enhances your connectivity on an airplane and reduces visual disturbances, all while letting you enjoy your flight without being bothered by the persistent kid kicking your seat. You’ll find these under the Experimental features in the quick settings menu.

Beyond that, some existing apps have received new modes. For instance, Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs now features a mixed reality slingshot mode, and Beat Saber has added a few new tracks. The Fitness app Supernatural has also introduced modes where your virtual coach appears right in your living room.

Meta invited me for a hands-on with these updates. Despite a few early hurdles post-release, the Quest 3 stood out as a formidable wireless VR setup with some nifty AR functions. It’s undoubtedly smoother and more enjoyable, if not entirely transformative.

In the realm of VR workouts, Supernatural offers a more dynamic session compared to your typical Beat Saber. The tracking is spot-on, and the exercises challenge you to engage your whole body, which quickly gets the sweat flowing and forms the infamous sweat ring on the headset. It was the most captivating of the demos, but nothing felt particularly innovative. Those hoping for a groundbreaking experience might have to hang tight for now.

Meanwhile, Meta is deploying the v66 update to address some passthrough distortions and enhance the hand-tracking features of the Quest 3’s mixed reality setup. This update ushers in a new “wrist button” for easy menu access during gameplay or app usage.

In practice, none of the demo units at Meta’s event were running the v66 update, nor have our own Quest 3 units received it yet. Although performance was mostly smooth, there was a peculiar glitch in the main menu. Having tested both the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro and the $500 Quest 3, I must say Apple’s version is undoubtedly more stylish and has more precise tracking. But, it’s not seven times better as the price suggests.

Looking ahead, there’s more Meta needs to do to truly claim the VR throne. Not everyone is into VR workouts or watching Netflix with a headset strapped on. The recent demos may not break the mold, but they reinforce that Meta is serious about VR.

Horizon OS indicates Meta is eager for partnerships. They’ve hinted at collaboration with Microsoft, as seen with the Xbox-themed Quest 3. We might get more details during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9.

Next week, Apple is likely to reveal a significant update to visionOS for the Vision Pro at WWDC 2024. This comes at a crucial time, with interest in Apple’s latest venture waning since its release. Analyst Ming Chi Kuo recently noted a sharp decline in demand for Apple’s headset, which hasn’t rebounded. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg poked at Apple earlier this year, boasting about Meta’s VR tech being on par with Apple’s but at a fraction of the cost. Yet, Meta still needs Apple to be in the game. They want a more open platform, just like Google once took on Apple. Apple might still carve out a niche with its ecosystem and dedicated fans, but it requires a new headset soon. Meanwhile, Meta should focus on enhancing HorizonOS to encourage open access. Sony’s foray into PC compatibility with VR 2 follows Meta’s lead in offering Game Pass and SteamVR wirelessly. Embracing an open OS is beneficial long-term. Hopefully, Meta’s continued investment—despite $3.85 billion losses in the Reality Labs division last quarter—will reflect this vision.