Microsoft announced today that it is now in public preview with Azure Remote Rendering (ARR) support for Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro virtual reality headsets. ARR is a service that allows high-quality 3D models to be streamed to mixed reality devices. ARR is currently in public preview and supports Meta Quest 2 as well as HoloLens 2.
ARR enables users to interact with complex 3D models that would otherwise be too large or detailed to render on the device. By using the power of Azure cloud computing, ARR can stream high-fidelity graphics to the headset, allowing users to explore, manipulate and collaborate with 3D content in real time.
ARR can be used for various scenarios, such as engineering, architecture, design, manufacturing, education and entertainment. For example, ARR can help engineers inspect and troubleshoot large-scale machinery, architects visualize and modify building designs, or educators create immersive learning experiences.
To use ARR with Meta Quest 2, users need to install the ARR app from the Meta App Lab store and sign up for an Azure account. Users can then upload their own 3D models to Azure Storage and access them through the ARR app. Alternatively, users can use the ARR SDK to integrate ARR into their own applications.
ARR is currently available in four Microsoft Azure regions: East US, West Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan East. Users can choose the region that is closest to them for optimal performance. ARR charges by the minute based on the rendering quality and the number of concurrent sessions.
ARR is part of the Azure Mixed Reality services, a suite of cloud-based tools and platforms that enable developers and enterprises to create immersive and intelligent mixed reality applications. Other services include Azure Spatial Anchors, Azure Object Anchors and Azure Digital Twins.
New Meta Quest+ Subscription Services
Meta has launched a new subscription service for its Quest VR headsets. The service, called Meta Quest+, costs $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year, and it gives subscribers access to two hand-picked VR games each month.
Meta Quest+ is a bit like Xbox Game Pass for VR. It offers a rotating library of games that subscribers can access as long as they are subscribed to the service. However, unlike Game Pass, Meta Quest+ does not allow subscribers to keep the games they download. Once they unsubscribe from the service, they lose access to the games.
The games available on Meta Quest+ are a mix of new and old titles. Some of the games that are currently available on the service include Pistol Whip, Pixel Ripped 1995, and The Climb 2. Meta says that it will be adding new games to the service every month.
Meta Quest+ is available now for Meta Quest 2 headsets. It will be compatible with the Quest 3 when it launches later this year.
