Meta just dropped a bombshell for VR enthusiasts: its affordable Quest headsets will now support spatial video playback, a feature previously exclusive to Apple’s high-end Vision Pro headset. This move directly competes with Apple’s selling point and potentially makes Meta’s headsets more attractive to budget-conscious consumers.
Here’s the breakdown:
Spatial video battle: Apple launched spatial video recording with iPhone 15 Pro models and promised playback on their expensive Vision Pro headset. Now, Meta Quest devices (starting at $250) will also play these immersive 3D recordings.
Price disparity: Vision Pro’s hefty price tag puts it out of reach for many. Meta’s Quest lineup offers more accessible options, making spatial video more widely available.
How it works: The v62 update rolling out now on Quest devices enables spatial video playback.Users can upload their iPhone-recorded videos via the Quest mobile app and relive them in 3D.
Additional features:
Meta also throws in demo videos for non-iPhone users and expands gamepad support (including PlayStation and Xbox controllers) for an enhanced gaming experience. Facebook livestreaming becomes available to all Quest users for sharing VR activities.
Additionally, Meta has made changes to its gesture controls:
Quick Pinch & Release: Execute a swift “pinch and release” gesture to seamlessly summon the universal menu, similar to Apple’s Vision Pro pinch shortcuts. This offers instant access to key options without interrupting your immersion.
Hold Pinch for Recenter: For a more deliberate action, utilize a longer “pinch and hold” gesture to quickly recenter your headset view. This mirrors the familiar “air tap” functionality found in headsets like Microsoft’s, ensuring you’re always oriented within your VR environment.
