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, has arrived, bringing a host of enhancements designed to elevate the user experience. Among the most notable features is a significant upgrade to the Windows remote desktop functionality, streamlining the connection between your VR headset and Windows 11 PC.

To take advantage of this new feature, users will find that connecting to their Windows 11 PC has never been easier. After completing a straightforward setup process, simply gazing at your PC will prompt a pairing notification on your VR headset, allowing for a seamless transition into a virtual desktop environment.

For those eager to get started, the setup process is simple. Begin by ensuring your PC is running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, and confirm that it meets the necessary hardware specifications. Next, navigate to the Microsoft Store to download the Mixed Reality Link app and complete the installation. With your PC unlocked, power on your Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset, access the Settings menu, and locate the Advanced settings. Within this submenu, enable the ‘Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link’ experimental feature.

While some users may have hesitated to embrace VR for work after earlier experiences, the enhancements in comfort and image quality offered by the Meta Quest 3 could inspire a renewed interest in virtual productivity.

Making your virtual life easier

Beyond the headline feature, update v72 introduces several improvements that enhance the overall reliability and usability of various functions. One such enhancement is the improved keyboard recognition capability, which allows users to utilize physical keyboards in VR through a ‘dynamic passthrough window.’

Additionally, the rollout of Hand Tracking 2.3 promises a more stable and accurate experience compared to its predecessor, with Meta showcasing these advancements in a comparison video.

Following the launch of the Instagram app for Meta Quest in October, users can now enjoy support for Instagram Direct Messenger within the VR environment, providing easy access to messaging services directly from their headset.

For those looking to share their VR experiences, the revamped Media Gallery app for Horizon OS simplifies the process of browsing through virtual photos and screen recordings, making it easier to find content to post on social media.

Lastly, the introduction of live captions for calls made through the People app enhances communication accessibility for users with hearing impairments. This feature can be activated in the Accessibility tab of the Horizon OS Settings menu or within the Settings menu of the People app.

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