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Meta Quest Now Supports Six Windows; Competes with Vision Pro

Passthrough and Ecosystem

Meta Quest Six Windows support shown off by Mark Zuckerberg.
Theater View isolates and enlarges a single window.
Horizon Feed highlights content from select creators.
Updates include swipe typing, QR code scanning, and improved eye tracking.

Meta has unveiled new features for its Quest headset, aiming to improve its competitiveness with Apple’s Vision Pro.

The update focuses on expanding multitasking abilities and enhancing user experience.

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Increased Window Support

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s founder, showcased an enhanced version of the Quest’s window management system.

The new layout lets Meta Quest have six windows run simultaneously:

Three fixed-position windows
Three freely-moveable windows

This development builds on Meta’s earlier experiments with freeform window placement, which were revealed in a beta program last month.

New Features

Theater View: A new button allows users to quickly isolate and enlarge any single window while dimming others.

This feature works with the browser, video player, and other 2D apps within Horizon OS.

Horizon Feed: Meta has introduced a new section highlighting content from select creators.

This feature aims to provide a more social approach to discovering apps and games.

Additional Updates

Version 67 of the Quest software brings several other improvements:

Swipe typing for easier text input
QR code scanning for Wi-Fi setup (Quest 3 only)
Improved eye tracking on Quest Pro
Customizable Do Not Disturb mode durations

Meta Quests Comparison to Vision Pro

While the Meta Quest with six windows represents a significant step forward for the headset, observers note that the visual polish and frame rates don’t yet match those of Apple’s Vision Pro.

Meta Quest 3: Making VR More Accessible

However, the Quest headset comes at a fraction of the Vision Pro’s price which is kind of its biggest USP right now in this mixed reality space.

The ongoing competition between Meta and Apple in the VR/AR space is likely to drive further innovations, ultimately benefiting end-users with improved features and experiences.

Meta is rolling out these updates gradually, so users may need to check regularly for the new version to appear on their devices.

FAQs

What is the new window layout for Meta Quest?

The new layout supports up to six windows simultaneously: three fixed-position windows and three freely-moveable windows.

What is the Theater View feature on Meta Quest?

Theater View allows users to quickly isolate and enlarge any single window while dimming others, enhancing focus on specific content.

What is Horizon Feed?

Horizon Feed is a new section that highlights content from select creators, providing a more social approach to discovering apps and games.

What are some additional updates in Version 67 of the Quest software?

Version 67 includes swipe typing, QR code scanning for Wi-Fi setup (Quest 3 only), improved eye tracking on Quest Pro, and customizable Do Not Disturb mode durations.