Meta has initiated the rollout of its Quest v72 update, marking a significant enhancement in the user experience for its Quest 3 and 3S headsets. This final update of the year introduces notable improvements in hand-tracking capabilities and the integration of Windows 11 Remote Desktop, allowing users to seamlessly connect their headsets to Windows PCs.
Windows Mixed Reality Link
The standout feature of this update is the Windows 11 Remote Desktop connection, a functionality that Meta had previously teased. Once configured, users will find that simply gazing at their Windows 11 PC prompts an automatic connection through their headset, reminiscent of the seamless experience offered by Apple’s Vision Pro with Mac systems.
However, the initial setup process requires a few steps:
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On your PC:
- Ensure your hardware meets the requirements: a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset and a PC running Windows 11 22H2 or newer.
- Download the Mixed Reality Link app from the Microsoft Store and keep your PC unlocked while wearing your headset.
On Quest:
- Access the Settings menu in your headset, navigate to Advanced settings, and enable the “Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link” experimental feature.
- When your Quest detects your PC, a pairing prompt will appear. If it doesn’t, you can manually initiate pairing through the Remote Desktop option in your Library or Quick Settings.
- Follow the prompts until the pairing process is complete.
It’s important to note that both Meta and Microsoft label this feature as “experimental” and in “preview,” indicating that users may encounter some initial challenges as the technology is refined.
General Keyboard Tracking
In addition to the virtual desktop enhancements, the update also brings improvements to keyboard tracking. Previously limited to select keyboards, the new version aims to support a wider range of devices, allowing users to see a cut-out of their keyboard while immersed in a virtual environment. While this feature will initially be available to a subset of users on v72, Meta plans to expand access over time, potentially making it a standard feature in future updates.
Hand-tracking Improvements
Meta continues to enhance its hand-tracking technology, with v72 introducing version 2.3. This update promises reduced latency and improved stability, enhancing the overall user experience. Specific improvements include:
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- Increased stability and responsiveness of the hand cursor when navigating the universal menu.
- Enhanced stability while pinching, making selection easier.
- Improved responsiveness for pinch-and-drag interactions, such as moving Browser tabs.
- Better usability in confined spaces, particularly beneficial in Travel Mode.
- A new hand ray visualization feature to assist with cursor targeting.
Alongside these updates, Quest v72 introduces Instagram chat to the Quest’s Instagram app, an upgraded Media Gallery for organizing content, and live call captions in Horizon Worlds, enhancing accessibility for users with hearing limitations.
How to Update Meta Quest
As Quest updates are rolled out in phases, users may need to wait for v72 to become available on their devices. To check for the latest version, follow these steps:
- Press the menu/Meta button on your right Touch controller to access the universal menu.
- Click on the clock icon on the left side of the menu.
- Select Settings in the top right corner.
- Navigate to System, then select Software Update from the left menu.
- If no update is available, restarting your headset may install pending updates.
For those with advanced skills, Meta offers a tool that allows users to force their headset to update to the latest version, ensuring they can take full advantage of the new features as soon as they are available.