At the recent Meta Connect 2024 event, a series of noteworthy announcements unfolded, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts and business leaders alike. Among the highlights was Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s revelation that the Quest VR headsets will soon feature a remarkable capability: the ability to pair effortlessly with Windows 11 PCs simply by gazing at the keyboard. This innovation mirrors the seamless integration seen in Apple’s Vision Pro with MacBooks, promising a more intuitive user experience.
What you need to know
- Meta’s upcoming feature will support multiple virtual displays, enhancing productivity by providing “a natural extension of your PC.”
- The Quest headset’s Horizon OS will connect to Windows 11 through the Remote Desktop app, streamlining the process for users.
In addition to this exciting development, Meta announced its decision to discontinue sales of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro by the end of 2024, paving the way for the launch of the eagerly awaited Quest 3S VR headset, priced at 0. As anticipated, artificial intelligence took center stage at the conference, with AI-driven reminders and translation features set to enhance the functionality of Meta’s Ray-Ban branded glasses.
During the event, Zuckerberg emphasized the collaborative efforts with Microsoft to ensure a smooth integration of Quest headsets with Windows 11. He stated, “Soon you’re going to be able to easily connect to any Windows 11 PC. You just look at the keyboard and it will start pairing.” This advancement marks a significant step toward creating a more cohesive ecosystem for users.
Once the connection is established, users will experience a transformative shift: their laptop’s screen will automatically turn off, replaced by a vast virtual display. Zuckerberg elaborated, “This is the path to building a general computing platform. It’s not just games, although [Quest] is really good at that. You’re also going to be able to use it for apps, watching videos, and all of the different things you would do with a general-purpose computer. Quest is the full package.”
While it has been possible to mirror a laptop’s display in Windows 11 through Meta’s Remote Display app, the new feature will eliminate the need for any additional software, simplifying the process for users and enhancing the overall experience.
