Meta Quest v69: Data mining provides clues to upcoming features
Data mining gives an indication of what features and improvements might be introduced in the next Quest update.
The PTC version of v69 is now being rolled out to PTC participants.
VR enthusiast Luna has been searching the update for strings and images that point to new features and improvements. I'll summarize what Luna has found so far.
As always, features that appear in PTC updates do not necessarily make it into the next update. They may be postponed or canned altogether.
Seamless multitasking, spatial audio for panels
The next update will apparently focus on improving the new window layout introduced with update 67, which introduced three "spatial panels" that can be freely arranged in space.
Luna has found evidence that it will be possible to anchor the panels in your room so that they always appear in the same place.
But the headline feature of v69 may be "Seamless Multitasking". This experimental feature could allow you to keep any panel in the foreground and take it with you seamlessly into running VR apps.
In the future, this feature may support multiple panels. For performance reasons, the feature is currently limited to one panel.
I feel I didn't do a great job showing it off so here is a more practical example of the "Seamless Multitasking" Experimental Feature in Meta Quest/Horizon OS v69. https://t.co/MLAI7WdE41 pic.twitter.com/iL2CQa6LQs
AdAd- Luna (@Lunayian) August 9, 2024
The panels may also receive spatial audio. Meta describes the feature, which is enabled by default, as follows
"Audio from apps and windows will sound like it's coming from their location around you. This can provide richer, more realistic audio."
Luna also expects the new window layout to leave experimental status, as well as getting UI/UX refinements.
Native Windows desktop streaming
A string indicates that Microsoft is implementing native desktop streaming for Meta Quest on Windows, eliminating the need to install a dedicated streaming app (Meta Quest Remote Desktop) on the PC.
Codec avatars
Luna found the first pictures of menus that introduce the use of Codec Avatars. Luna thinks that a beta version could be announced at Connect.
First Codec Avatars NUX images in Meta Quest/Horizon OS v69! pic.twitter.com/nXNocAmRV1
- Luna (@Lunayian) August 9, 2024
Volume buttons as action buttons
Meta Quest 3S may get an action button. Older headsets could get a feature that gives the volume buttons a similar function.
What is the Public Test Channel?
The Quest Public Test Channel (PTC) is an early access program for Meta Quest firmware. By registering through the Meta Quest app, you can get early access to unreleased but potentially buggy firmware updates before the public release.
Further information can be found in the official support article.
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