Meta Quest v72 is gradually making its way to users, heralding a suite of enhancements designed to elevate the virtual reality experience. Among the standout features are significantly improved hand tracking capabilities, a passthrough keyboard cutout, the introduction of a new Gallery app, and experimental integration with Windows 11. As is customary with Quest updates, the rollout is staggered, meaning some users may have to wait days or even weeks to access the full range of features.
Hand Tracking 2.3
The centerpiece of the v72 update is the upgraded Hand Tracking 2.3 model, which promises enhanced stability, improved accuracy, and reduced latency for controller-free interactions. Meta has outlined several user experience improvements, including:
- The hand cursor will be more stable and responsive when navigating the universal menu.
- Cursor stabilization during pinching will simplify selection tasks.
- Pinch-and-drag interactions, such as moving a Browser tab, will see improved responsiveness.
- Using hands in confined spaces, particularly in Travel Mode, will be easier.
- A new hand ray visualization will assist users in locating and targeting with the cursor.
Additionally, Meta has made unannounced enhancements throughout the year, focusing on “hand stealing” to ensure the headset prioritizes the user’s hands over other objects in view.
Experimental Windows 11 Integration
Quest 3 users can now explore seamless integration with Windows 11 as an experimental feature in Horizon OS v72, further expanding the headset’s versatility.
Passthrough Cutout For Any Keyboard
In a significant shift, Quest v72 introduces a passthrough cutout feature that allows the system to track any keyboard-like object within view, regardless of whether it is connected via Bluetooth. When users bring their hands near the keyboard, it will appear as a passthrough cutout, while the outline will be displayed as a white rectangle when their hands are not in proximity. This enhancement builds on previous limitations that restricted tracking to a select number of keyboards.
Automatic Call Captions
Accessibility takes a step forward with the addition of Call Captions in v72, providing live transcripts of conversations during calls. This feature identifies who is speaking, enhancing communication for users who may benefit from visual text support.
Travel Mode Indicator
To address user concerns regarding accidental activation of Travel Mode, which was designed for use in moving vehicles, v72 introduces an indicator in the system menu bar. This addition aims to prevent tracking issues that arose when users inadvertently left the mode enabled at home.
Frictionless Home Environment
Meta has streamlined the transition into immersive experiences by defaulting Quest 3 headsets to a stationary boundary upon entering passthrough mode. Users will only need to establish a room-scale boundary when launching an immersive VR app, simplifying the setup process.
Instagram Direct Messages
Lastly, the integration of direct messaging into the Instagram app on Horizon OS allows users to share Reels, Stories, and posts seamlessly. The option to use dictation or voice messages further enhances communication, completing Meta’s messaging suite alongside Messenger and WhatsApp.
