Horizon OS Archives

BetaBeacon

December 22, 2024

Android XR could be Google’s Daydream redemption, and VR games can help

Daydream had issues such as draining phone batteries and lack of smartphone support. Google abandoned Daydream just as Quest began to take off. Google could potentially regain ground in the XR market by focusing on gaming, offering a curated selection of apps, supporting hand-tracking and controllers, and utilizing powerful hardware like Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. The success of Android XR will depend on how well Google can differentiate itself from competitors like Meta and Apple.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Quest 3’s Windows 11 Integration Arrives As Experimental Feature

Quest 3's latest enhancement, introduced during Meta Connect 2024, integrates Windows 11 into Horizon OS v72, allowing users to connect and mirror their Windows 11 PC with a simple tap by looking at the device. This feature is developed through a partnership with Microsoft, utilizing Windows 11 Remote Desktop technology. Once connected, the PC screen turns off and is replaced by a virtual display, enabling users to create up to three virtual monitors. Currently, users must enable 'Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link' in their headset settings and download the Mixed Reality Link app on their Windows 11 PC for setup, but this will not be necessary once the feature exits beta. After setup, users can connect to their PC with a tap on a virtual button without launching any applications. However, the feature requires a local network for operation, unlike Apple's similar feature, which can function without one.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Quest v72 Brings Improved Hand Tracking & Keyboard Cutout

Meta Quest v72 is being rolled out to users, featuring improved hand tracking capabilities with the upgraded Hand Tracking 2.3 model, which enhances stability, accuracy, and reduces latency. Key improvements include a more stable hand cursor, better cursor stabilization during pinching, improved pinch-and-drag responsiveness, easier hand use in confined spaces, and a new hand ray visualization. The update also introduces experimental integration with Windows 11, a passthrough cutout feature for any keyboard, automatic call captions for live transcripts during calls, a Travel Mode indicator to prevent accidental activation, a streamlined home environment that defaults to a stationary boundary, and integration of direct messaging in the Instagram app on Horizon OS.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Final Meta Quest 3 update of 2024 brings big hand-tracking upgrade – and it might convince me to give working in VR another chance

The latest software update for the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, version 72, includes a significant upgrade to Windows remote desktop functionality, allowing easier connection to Windows 11 PCs. Users can set up by ensuring their PC runs Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, downloading the Mixed Reality Link app from the Microsoft Store, and enabling the 'Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link' feature in the headset's settings. The update also improves keyboard recognition through a dynamic passthrough window, introduces Hand Tracking 2.3 for better stability and accuracy, adds support for Instagram Direct Messenger, revamps the Media Gallery app for easier content sharing, and introduces live captions for calls in the People app to enhance accessibility.

BetaBeacon

October 30, 2024

Meta’s leaked ‘Avalanche’ could bring back Oculus Rift games, but I want more

Meta is actively working on bringing cloud VR gaming to Meta Quest, with a leaked app called Avalanche appearing briefly on the Quest Store. The company intends to launch cloud streaming on Quest when it's consumer-ready, enabling higher graphics than the Snapdragon XR2 on the Quest 3 and Quest 3S can natively handle. The challenges ahead include dealing with latency and high ping that comes with cloud streaming. The author dreams of a partnership between Meta and Microsoft to stream VR ports of popular first-person titles on Quest, such as Minecraft, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Forza, and Halo.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Windows MR Headsets No Longer Work In Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has phased out Windows Mixed Reality (MR) from Windows 11 24H2, making Windows MR headsets obsolete for users who upgrade. Users can continue using their Windows MR headsets if they remain on Windows 11 version 23H2 until at least November 2026. The end of production for HoloLens 2 and the conclusion of software support after 2027 indicate a shift in Microsoft's focus away from hardware development in augmented reality. Windows MR, primarily a virtual reality platform, struggled to compete with established headsets and peaked at around 10% usage on Steam in 2019, declining to approximately 3.5%. The limitations of tracking technology and controller ergonomics contributed to its decline. Microsoft has shifted its focus toward a software partnership with Meta, integrating Xbox Cloud Gaming and Office web applications into Quest headsets.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Mark Zuckerberg says Windows 11 PCs will pair with Meta Quest VR headsets just by glimpsing at the keyboard soon

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced at the Meta Connect 2024 event that Quest VR headsets will soon be able to pair with Windows 11 PCs by simply gazing at the keyboard. This feature will support multiple virtual displays and connect through the Remote Desktop app, enhancing productivity. Meta will discontinue sales of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro by the end of 2024 to launch the Quest 3S VR headset. The integration with Windows 11 is a collaborative effort with Microsoft, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem. Once connected, users will see their laptop's screen turn off and be replaced by a virtual display, allowing for general computing tasks beyond gaming. The new feature will simplify the connection process by eliminating the need for additional software.

AppWizard

September 26, 2024

Quest’s Store Now Accepts 2D Android Apps

The Meta Horizon Store has enabled the integration of 2D Android applications, allowing developers to transition their existing apps from the Google Play Store to Quest headsets without specialized modifications. Users can run 2D applications alongside other programs within Horizon OS, even while using different apps and games. However, many 2D Android applications rely on Google Play Services, which is not available on Horizon OS. Meta plans to introduce a 2D Android version of its Platform SDK to replicate some Google Play Services functionalities, but integrating this SDK may require significant effort from developers. Additionally, developers can use the Meta Spatial SDK to enhance their applications with 3D and mixed reality features, although this is not necessary for porting 2D apps.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Quests Can Soon Extend Windows Laptops By Just Looking At Them

Quest headsets will enhance the functionality of Windows 11 laptops later this year through a collaboration between Meta and Microsoft, allowing users to extend their laptop screens by simply looking at them without needing software installation. The feature will utilize Windows 11's remote desktop capabilities, enabling Horizon OS to connect directly to the PC, resulting in a virtual display that replicates the laptop's screen and allows for multiple virtual monitors. Currently, Meta offers similar functionalities through its Remote Display and Horizon Workrooms apps, as well as third-party applications like Virtual Desktop and Immersed. The Meta-Microsoft partnership distinguishes itself by not requiring users to launch an app or install new software. The user experience is inspired by Apple’s visionOS, but it is unclear if a home Wi-Fi network will be necessary for operation.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Meta announces big new Quest features, ecosystem updates – virtual desktop for Windows, Dolby Atmos

During the recent Meta Connect event, Meta announced several new features for Quest users with an upcoming update to Horizon OS. 1. A Virtual Desktop-like capability will be integrated into the Meta Quest, allowing seamless connection to Windows PCs and supporting multiple virtual displays in augmented reality. 2. Dolby Atmos support will be added to enhance the audio experience for movies and TV shows. 3. Core social applications, including Facebook Messenger and Instagram, will be revamped to include mixed reality functionalities and enhanced multi-window support. 4. Horizon Hyperscape will allow users to scan their physical environments to create photorealistic virtual representations, currently available only in the United States with plans for broader rollout.