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Here's what the Quest v76 update might bring in new features

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Here's what the Quest v76 update might bring in new features

The beta version of Horizon OS v76 shows what new features may be coming next to Meta Quest.

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FINDINGS

The PTC version of v76 has been rolling out to the test channel participants since late last week. Over the weekend, VR enthusiast Luna searched the update for strings indicating new features. This article summarizes some of the more interesting findings.

Keep in mind that features that appear in PTC updates may not make it into the official update and may be delayed or removed.

Update v76 is expected to be released in early April.

Avatar selfie camera for video calls

The v76 PTC brings a selfie camera for avatars to use in video calls. When you wear the headset during a video call, your animated avatar will appear, mirroring your head and hand movements.

This feature has been in development for Meta Quest for years. In fact, it was already teased at Meta Connect 2022. Back then, Meta announced that the feature would be enabled for video calls via Messenger, Instagram and Whatsapp.

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In his most recent AMA on Instagram, CTO Andrew Bosworth hinted with a smile and the words "Yes, so this will be happening" that the selfie camera for avatars would be coming soon.

To use the selfie camera, you will need to give the operating system the appropriate permission. A new setting will allow you to select a background (according to Luna, the default environments available are "Abstract", "Beach", "Greenhouse", "Home Office", "Light", "Loft" and "Office"). You can also set the field of view for your avatar.

According to Luna, the feature currently only works in Horizon Home, not in immersive apps.

Upgrade to Android 14

With v76, Horizon OS, the operating system of the Meta Quest, could be updated to Android 14, according to Luna's findings.

The upgrade to Android 14 could bring significantly lower latency when using Bluetooth headphones with Meta Quest, as a Meta engineer said last year.

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Meta Quest's Bluetooth audio suffers from high latency, making many action and rhythm games unplayable. If Meta succeeds in significantly reducing latency, Bluetooth headphones would finally become a viable alternative to wired headphones.

Shareable windows

Luna also found indications that it will be possible to share windows with other users in Horizon Home (and possibly Horizon Worlds). This will probably work in a similar way to SharePlay under visionOS, Luna writes.

An entirely new UI in v77+

Back at Meta Connect 2024, Meta announced a completely revamped user interface for Horizon OS called "Navigator," which ditches the dock in favor of a new launcher.

Luna found a tutorial for the Navigator UI in v76 PTC and writes that it is currently planned for update v77 or higher.

CONTEXT

What is the Public Test Channel?

The Public Test Channel (PTC) is an early access channel that provides advance access to upcoming Horizon OS updates. By signing up, you can gain access to features before they are officially released.

Keep in mind, however, that the software may be buggy or incomplete.

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You can find out how to sign up for the PTC in the official support article.

What do you think of these new features? Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky or X or share your opinion in the comments below.

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