Meta has released version 72 of its Quest software, delivering features that significantly enhance the integration between virtual reality (VR) and traditional computing.
The update introduces the Mixed Reality Link app, allowing seamless connectivity between Quest headsets and Windows 11 PCs, while also improving hand tracking and keyboard usability in VR environments.
This marks an important milestone in Meta’s efforts to position VR as a practical tool for productivity, alongside its entertainment and gaming capabilities.
Using Meta Quest for Virtual Workspaces
A centerpiece of the Quest v72 update is the new Mixed Reality Link app, available for download on the Microsoft Store. This app enables Quest headsets to connect with PCs running Windows 11 (version 22H2 or later), providing a private virtual workstation with multiple monitor support.
By leveraging Microsoft’s Remote Desktop technology, users can stream high-quality desktop environments to their Quest devices, effectively transforming their VR headsets into productivity hubs.
The app simplifies the connection process: users can link their headset by selecting a “Connect” button after the system recognizes a compatible PC keyboard. Meta and Microsoft envision this functionality as a way to enhance workflows in virtual spaces.
“Access to your local Windows PC from a Quest headset is seamless and it takes only seconds to connect to a private, high-quality, multiple-monitor workstation,” Microsoft stated in a release. However, as the app is currently in its preview phase, some issues have been reported.
These include occasional display artifacts, delays in audio redirection between the PC and headset, and interruptions in VR connectivity when certain system commands are used, such as Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Microsoft has encouraged user feedback to address these early-stage challenges.
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Enhancements in Hand Tracking and Keyboard Visibility
The update also focuses on refining Quest’s hand-tracking capabilities. Hand movements, particularly for tasks like pinch gestures and dragging virtual windows, are now smoother and more responsive.
The addition of a “hand ray visualization” feature helps users accurately target objects in constrained spaces, improving the overall interaction experience.
Meta has further expanded its keyboard tracking functionality, a feature that initially supported only specific models when it debuted in 2021. With this update, a broader range of physical keyboards can now be tracked and visualized as passthrough elements within VR.
This means users can see their real-world keyboard overlaid in their virtual workspace, enhancing productivity for those who rely on typing-intensive tasks in VR.
Accessibility and Social Features
Beyond productivity tools, Meta has incorporated features that improve accessibility and social interaction. Live captions are now available for calls made through the People app, generating real-time subtitles to support users who are hard of hearing or in noisy environments.
Additionally, Instagram messaging has been integrated into the Quest platform, allowing users to send and receive direct messages without leaving their VR environment.
To enhance media interaction, Meta has introduced a dedicated Media Gallery app. This feature enables users to organize and view spatial videos, images, and screenshots captured with their Quest headset.
Together, these updates aim to make Quest a more comprehensive platform for work, communication, and creativity.
Meta’s collaboration with Microsoft reflects an industry-wide push to integrate VR more closely with traditional computing platforms. The introduction of the Mixed Reality Link app mirrors similar features in Apple’s Vision Pro, showcasing a competitive landscape where VR manufacturers aim to expand their appeal beyond entertainment.
By making virtual desktops more accessible and practical, these updates could attract professionals and creators looking for innovative ways to optimize their workflows.
