Microsoft has revealed that users of the Meta Quest 3 will soon enjoy the “full capabilities” of Windows 11 directly from their VR headsets. However, it’s important to clarify that this does not imply that the Meta Quest 3 will run Windows natively.
Instead, the Quest 3 and Quest 3S will stream content from a personal Windows 11 PC or a virtual Windows Cloud PC, accessible through a Windows 365 subscription. This service is primarily tailored for professional and business users rather than the average consumer.
Seamless Integration
According to a Microsoft blog post, “Access to your local Windows PC or Windows 365 Cloud PC from a Quest headset is seamless and it takes only seconds to connect to a private, high-quality, multiple-monitor workstation.” This feature is set to enter public preview in December, marking a significant advancement in the integration of VR and productivity tools.
This development positions the Quest 3 series in direct competition with the technically sophisticated yet slow-selling Apple Vision Pro, which is marketed as a “spatial computer” rather than a traditional VR headset.
In this upcoming Windows 11 VR experience, users will have the ability to establish multiple virtual monitors within their Quest 3 or Quest 3S field of view. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hinted at future plans for Windows 11 integration during Meta Connect 2024, promoting the ease of pairing a Quest headset with a Windows 11 PC simply by glancing down at the keyboard.
Gesture Control and Current Alternatives
While the extent of gesture control for Windows 11 on the Meta Quest 3 remains uncertain, it is anticipated that the experience will draw inspiration from the capabilities of the Vision Pro. Currently, third-party applications such as Virtual Desktop and Immersed are popular among Quest users seeking to enhance their productivity. To truly advance the conversation, Meta and Microsoft will need to elevate the experience beyond what these applications currently offer.
However, it’s worth noting that improved integration with Windows 11 will not replicate the optical clarity found in the Apple Vision Pro. The Quest 3 offers a contextual resolution of approximately 25 pixels per degree, in contrast to the Vision Pro’s 34 pixels per degree. This enhanced sharpness is particularly advantageous when viewing text-heavy virtual screens, although it has not significantly boosted the Vision Pro’s sales performance.
