Pico 4 Ultra gets OS features that I will miss on Meta Quest
With Pico 4 Ultra, you can now turn 2D photos into 3D photos and create performance profiles for individual apps, similar to Quest Games Optimizer.
The Pico OS 5.13.0.U update has been rolling out to Pico 4 Ultra users since March 26th, bringing a host of new features and improvements, some of which may make some Quest fans envious.
Content
Photos app gets 3D conversion, Spatial Photos support (iPhone 16)
- 2D photos can now be converted to photos with a stereoscopic depth effect. This can be done individually or for a large number of photos (batch conversion). Apple Vision Pro offers a similar feature, while Meta Quest does not support it at all.
- Spatial photos and videos taken with iPhone 16 can now be viewed in the headset, all with improved image quality thanks to multi-frame noise reduction. Meta Quest only supports spatial video playback.
New tool: Performance Tuner
The Performance Tuner copies the concept of the Quest Games Optimizer and allows users to set performance parameters (resolution, frame rate, CPU level, GPU level, fixed-focus rendering) for individual apps for an optimal gaming experience. The tool can be found in Settings > Developer.
On Meta Quest, third-party applications such as the Quest Games Optimizer, SideQuest or the manual input of ADB commands are required for the same function.
Spatial video recordings
You can now record content in spatial video format with the headset and view it as spatial video in the photo gallery.
Improved Pico Connect
Pico's PC VR app now supports frame interpolation, which improves streaming performance on mid-range and low-end PCs.
More flexibility in window management
The distance and position of application windows can now be freely adjusted.
The lying down mode now also has a shortcut in the Control Center, making it easier to toggle it on and off. In Meta Quest, this requires clicking through several menus.
Handtracking-only mode
According to Pico, the new interaction mode provides a "controller-free experience". You can switch between the different interaction modes at any time in the Control Center.
The hand tracking algorithm has also been improved in a number of ways. Pico promises reduced latency, more stable tracking in low light and improved gesture accuracy and fidelity.
Improved motion tracker
The algorithm has been optimized to improve stability in sitting and lying positions. The update also increases the tracking update frequency, resulting in more accurate and smoother display of complex movements.
Full release notes
Pico has also improved the passthrough image quality in low-light environments.
You can find the full release notes in the Pico forum.
What do you think of these improvements? Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky or X or share your opinion in the comments below.
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