Meta has released an official Disney+ app for Quest headsets, supporting 4K streaming with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos for Premium subscribers, along with offline downloads. While the app offers high-quality video and audio, it is limited to 2D and lacks the 3D features available on other platforms like visionOS. The app is currently available in the US and UK, and is free to download with a Disney+ subscription.
Microsoft's Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are now available for free on Meta's Quest VR headsets, but using them in VR still has some quirks. Users need to log in with their Microsoft account password, which can be a tedious process without a Bluetooth keyboard. The apps are not optimized for VR, making it difficult to select icons or move the cursor. To enhance productivity, users will likely need to pair a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. The apps can be downloaded from Meta's Quest marketplace and are compatible with various Quest headsets. Microsoft and Meta previously announced plans to bring Office apps, Teams, Windows, and Xbox Cloud Gaming to Quest headsets.
Neko Atsume Purrfect Kitty Collector, a VR adaptation of the popular mobile game, is now available on Meta's Quest VR headsets. The game allows players to interact with adorable cartoon cats in virtual reality, including petting and picking them up using controllers. The Quest 3 version also offers a mixed reality mode, where a virtual cat can appear in the player's real-world environment. While the game is not particularly involved, it provides a lighthearted and cute experience for Quest users, although it comes with a price tag of $19.99.
Meta's latest update for its Quest VR headsets, v56, brings improvements such as enhanced hand tracking, system-level live captions, button remapping, and the return of livestreaming to Facebook. The hand tracking upgrade aims to improve responsiveness and make the experience closer to using controllers. The addition of system-level live captions enhances accessibility for users who are hard of hearing or deaf. Livestreaming to Facebook is back, redesigned for seamless use with high-quality video output and a live chat panel. Other features include swipe typing, automatic updates while charging, and the ability to remap controller buttons. The update will roll out gradually starting the week of July 24th.
Meta Platforms is entering the videogame subscription market with a Quest VR offering, as it prepares for competition from Apple in the virtual reality space.
Meta's new experimental feature called "Direct Touch" allows users to tap and scroll on virtual elements with only their hands, no controllers required. While the idea is cool, the feature is still finicky and typing with it is difficult. However, it could be a foundational upgrade for Meta's VR headsets and a glimpse into the future of AR glasses.
