At Ignite 2024, Microsoft unveiled an exciting development for users of Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, introducing enhanced support for Windows applications. This new integration aims to foster immersive collaboration and elevate productivity for teams, streamlining the user experience significantly. Previously, users could access Windows apps on the Meta Quest 3, but the latest update promises a more intuitive approach, eliminating the need for additional software.
With this update, users will gain full access to Microsoft’s extensive suite of tools, allowing them to create multiple “windows” for multitasking. Imagine seamlessly switching between a Microsoft Teams meeting and a spreadsheet, all within your XR headset.
Using Windows on Meta Quest: The Old Options
Prior to this announcement, there were several methods to access Microsoft’s productivity apps on Meta Quest devices. Users could tether their headsets directly to their computers via Air Link, utilize Windows through a Remote Desktop in the Meta Horizon Workrooms app, or rely on third-party software. While these options remain viable, the new integration is set to simplify the process considerably. Here’s a brief overview of the existing methods:
Using Windows on Meta Quest Devices with Air Link
To connect your Meta Quest device to Windows using Air Link, ensure you have the Quest Link app installed on your computer, an updated Quest headset, and a reliable Windows PC. A USB cable (minimum 5GB) and a stable Wi-Fi connection are also necessary. Once everything is in place, follow these steps:
- Select Settings, System, and Quest Link
- Toggle on the Use Air Link option
- Select your PC in the Available PCs section, and choose Pair
After entering the pairing code on your PC, click Confirm and select Launch to begin.
Using Windows Apps on Horizon Workrooms
In Horizon Workrooms, users can download a “remote desktop” for Windows to stream content from their PC. To get started, download the Workrooms app on your headset, log into your computer, and open Remote Desktop. Then, put on your Quest headset, open the Workrooms app, and select Computer from the desk menu. Connect to your computer, and confirm the remote streaming request on your PC to access your Windows apps.
Third-Party Apps for Using Windows with Meta
In addition to the aforementioned options, various third-party applications support remote desktop streaming through Meta Quest devices. Popular choices include Virtual Desktop and Immersed, each with its unique setup process. Generally, these apps require a wired connection to your PC to initiate. However, some may come with additional costs, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users. Notably, Virtual Desktop supports Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and gamepads, enhancing the overall experience.
Using Windows on Meta Quest: The New Option
The recent integration of Windows 11 streaming into Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices marks a significant shift in user experience. While the Quest 3 will not run Windows natively, it will enable users to stream from their Windows 11 PC or a virtual Windows Cloud PC accessible through a Microsoft subscription. This new functionality allows users to connect to their PCs effortlessly, simply by glancing at their keyboard while wearing the headset, making it quicker and more convenient to access Windows applications in an XR environment.
What Will the New Experience Offer?
The new Windows on Meta Quest experience, currently in public preview, allows users to connect to their Windows apps in mere seconds. During the Ignite 2024 conference, Microsoft showcased a video demonstrating a user accessing a large, multi-monitor workstation filled with Windows applications. Users will be able to create multiple virtual monitors in a mixed reality setting, maintaining visibility of their physical surroundings, or opt for a single large monitor that consolidates all necessary applications.
This functionality will be supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps,” which Microsoft previously highlighted during the Build 2024 conference. The experience bears similarities to what is offered by the Apple Vision Pro, particularly the ability to stream a computer screen directly to the XR headset. This new feature positions the Quest 3 and Quest 3S as formidable competitors to the Vision Pro, appealing to a broader spectrum of professional users. However, details on whether users can control their virtual screens with gestures remain undisclosed.
What Does this Mean for Windows Mixed Reality?
The strengthened partnership between Microsoft and Meta signifies a pivotal moment for Microsoft’s XR journey. Although Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform, it continues to support XR innovators in utilizing its applications. The introduction of Windows 11 streaming for Meta Quest devices suggests potential future collaborations with other headset manufacturers, reinforcing Microsoft’s focus on software in the XR landscape.
While Microsoft has ceased production of its HoloLens headset line and announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027, recent leaks indicate a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a forthcoming mixed-reality headset. This development raises questions about the future of Microsoft’s partnerships with companies like Meta and what new hardware may emerge in the evolving XR space.
