Mixed Reality Link Archives

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Windows 11 Mixed Reality support revived for Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S headsets

Microsoft has revived its Mixed Reality feature, previously retired for all but the HoloLens, now limited to the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. The integration includes three key features: immersive and private productivity, Windows 365 Cloud PCs, and easy PC connection. Users can connect to their PCs or subscribe to a Windows 365 Cloud PC for remote access via their headset. The broader Windows Mixed Reality program was officially retired in December 2023 after about six years, and its future beyond the partnership with Meta is uncertain. Windows Mixed Reality struggled to attract customers compared to other VR offerings, with the entry-level market led by Oculus and the high-end segment occupied by HTC and Valve.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Finally! Meta Quest VR headsets can now connect to your Windows 11 PC — with up to 3 virtual monitors

Microsoft has partnered with Meta to introduce Windows 11 to Meta Quest headsets, allowing users to integrate their PC environments into mixed reality. This experience is currently available in public preview. The application, which can be downloaded from the store, connects with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, enabling access to Windows 11 PCs with up to three virtual monitors. The app is free to use and allows users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings. Known issues include problems with Teams calls, audio routing, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete command terminating connections, lingering inactive connections, and potential quality issues with multiple displays if the PC's graphics specifications are insufficient. Microsoft plans to address these issues and incorporate user feedback. Meta's Quest VR headsets have gained popularity, particularly with the launch of the budget-friendly Quest 3S, and have attracted major gaming franchises and collaborations for mixed reality projects.

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 10, 2024

Latest Quest Update Brings Big Improvements to Virtual Desktop and Hand-tracking

Meta has rolled out the Quest v72 update for its Quest 3 and 3S headsets, enhancing user experience with improvements in hand-tracking and the integration of Windows 11 Remote Desktop. The update allows users to connect their headsets to Windows PCs by gazing at their PC, although the setup requires specific steps on both the PC and the headset. The feature is labeled as "experimental" and may have initial challenges. The update also improves keyboard tracking for a wider range of devices, enhances hand-tracking technology with reduced latency and improved stability, and introduces Instagram chat, an upgraded Media Gallery, and live call captions in Horizon Worlds. Users can check for the update through the headset's settings menu, and advanced users can force an update if desired.

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.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft launches Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 — connect your PC to your Meta Quest headset!

Microsoft has launched the Mixed Reality Link app for Windows 11, allowing users to connect their PCs to Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets. The app enables the use of up to three virtual displays in a VR environment. It is currently in preview and is exclusive to the latest Meta Quest models, with Quest 2 and Quest Pro users awaiting future updates. The app is available for download on the Microsoft Store.