Meta has just rolled out v71, a significant update for its Quest VR headsets, bringing a slew of improvements and new features to enhance the user experience. This update is packed with exciting additions, from a refreshed system interface to AI-driven facial expressions and smoother passthrough capabilities. Let’s dive into the details and explore how these changes will impact your virtual reality adventures.
What’s New in Quest v71?
The v71 update is a comprehensive overhaul of the Quest’s software, introducing a range of features designed to improve both aesthetics and functionality. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Revamped System Interface: The Quest’s user interface has been given a fresh coat of paint, with a cleaner and more modern design. This includes updated icons, refined menus, and a more intuitive layout, making it easier to navigate and interact with the system.
- AI Audio to Expression: This innovative feature uses an on-device AI model to translate microphone audio into realistic facial expressions for your avatar. Even without dedicated face tracking hardware, your avatar can now convey emotions and lip sync more naturally, enhancing social interactions in virtual reality.
- Enhanced Passthrough: The passthrough feature, which allows you to see your real-world surroundings while wearing the headset, has been significantly improved. v71 brings smoother and more stable passthrough visuals, making it easier to interact with your physical environment without removing the headset.
- Travel Mode on Trains: You can now comfortably use your Quest on trains with Travel Mode. This feature optimizes the VR experience for seated use and minimizes motion sickness, opening up new possibilities for entertainment and productivity during commutes.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Surround: Immerse yourself in richer soundscapes with the addition of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Surround support. This enhances audio quality for both media playback and VR experiences, providing a more cinematic and immersive audio experience.
My Experience with v71
Having updated my Quest 2 to v71, I was immediately struck by the redesigned interface. It feels more polished and modern, and the improved navigation makes it easier to find what I need. The AI-powered facial expressions are a game-changer, adding a new level of realism to social interactions in VR. I also appreciate the smoother passthrough, which makes it less jarring to switch between the virtual and real world.
Additional Features and Improvements
v71 also includes a number of other noteworthy additions:
- First-party Calendar App: Manage your schedule and stay organized with the new built-in calendar app.
- Remote Desktop Shortcut: Quickly access your computer’s desktop from the Quick Settings menu.
- Scene Mesh Scanning Enhancements: Improved scene mesh scanning for more accurate and detailed representations of your physical environment.
- Volume Mixer: Fine-tune audio levels for individual apps and calls.
- Horizon Chats: Share flat and spatial videos with friends in Horizon Worlds.
- Controller and Stylus Pairing: Pair controllers and styluses directly within the headset.
- App Permissions Indicator: A new indicator on the menu bar shows which apps are accessing your device’s permissions.
The Quest v71 update is a major step forward for Meta’s VR platform. With its design refresh, AI-powered expressions, smoother passthrough, and a host of other improvements, v71 delivers a more refined, immersive, and user-friendly VR experience. Whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast or new to the world of virtual reality, v71 offers something for everyone.
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