In a significant advancement for productivity and virtual workspace integration, Quest headsets are set to enhance the functionality of Windows 11 laptops later this year. This innovation, made possible through a collaboration between Meta and Microsoft, will allow users to extend their laptop screens simply by looking at them, eliminating the need for any software installation.
Seamless Integration with Horizon OS
The upcoming feature will leverage the existing remote desktop capabilities of Windows 11, enabling Horizon OS to connect directly to the PC. As a result, users will experience a seamless transition where their laptop’s physical screen turns off, giving way to a vast virtual display. This virtual environment will not only replicate the laptop’s screen but also allow users to create multiple virtual monitors, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
Currently, Meta offers options for mirroring a PC’s display through its Remote Display app and creating additional virtual monitors via the Horizon Workrooms app. Additionally, third-party applications like Virtual Desktop and Immersed provide similar functionalities. However, the unique selling point of the Meta-Microsoft partnership lies in its simplicity; users will not need to launch an app or install new software to access this feature.
Inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro
The user experience of connecting to the laptop is reminiscent of Apple’s visionOS, where users can easily tap a virtual button to establish a connection with a MacBook. Apple’s Mac Virtual Display feature stands out by automatically establishing a Wi-Fi direct connection between the Vision headset and the MacBook, functioning seamlessly even in the absence of a local network, such as during travel.
As for Meta and Microsoft’s offering, it remains to be seen whether a home Wi-Fi network will be necessary for operation. This aspect will be thoroughly examined once access to the feature is granted, promising an exciting evolution in how we interact with our devices in a virtual workspace.
