We tried Meta Quest's new Windows integration - is it good?
Meta Quest has a new feature that should make it easier than ever to stream your Windows desktop to the headset. MIXED tried it out.
The improved Windows 11 integration started rolling out yesterday with Horizon OS update v72. I already got access to it and tried out the feature, which is the result of a collaboration between Meta and Microsoft.
The two companies promise a seamless connection between your PC and Meta Quest. Just look at your PC keyboard, and you can bring the Windows desktop into virtual or mixed reality. Optionally, two additional virtual monitors can be simulated. So much for the theory.
In practice, the initial setup is (still) too complicated for the average user and the overall usability is poor. However, it should be noted that this feature is still in beta.
The current implementation gives me the impression that you can safely wait another three to six months before trying the Windows integration or even considering it as an alternative to Virtual Desktop or Immersed.
Setting it up
To use this feature, you must have a Meta Quest 3 or 3S, older Quest headsets are not supported. You must also have Windows 11 22H2 or later installed on your PC and Horizon OS 72 or later installed on your Meta Quest. PC system requirements can be found here.
The feature also requires a Wi-Fi network in the 5 or 6 GHz spectrum connecting Meta Quest and the PC or laptop, limiting use to local networks.
As mentioned above, the initial setup is complicated. First, you need to enable the experimental feature in the settings of your Quest. You will then be asked to install an application called Mixed Reality Link on your PC. You will also need to install a dedicated Windows app on Meta Quest. Finally, you will need Quest's Remote Desktop app for the feature to work. If this sounds like a hassle, that's because it really is.
Microsoft and Meta say that the Mixed Reality Link application will no longer be needed after the beta and will be integrated into Windows. I hope the same will happen with the Windows app on Horizon OS level. That would reduce the complexity a lot.
The user experience
After successful setup, a connection prompt should automatically appear in the Meta Quest when the PC is running. In addition, a floating AR button appears above the PC keyboard, which can also be used to bring the Windows desktop into the Meta Quest. Unfortunately, you can't see this in the video I recorded, but you can see it in Microsoft's promo video (see above).
Once the Windows desktop is streamed into Meta Quest, the physical monitor turns off. You can enable two additional virtual monitors, but I had trouble using all three at the same time. My Bluetooth mouse and keyboard input worked for either the main monitor or the other two, but not for all three. The monitors can be resized and positioned anywhere in the room. According to an FAQ, support for setting aspect ratio and resolution will come in an update.
When I turned off all three monitors, the connection prompt did not reappear for me. In this case, I needed to manually connect to the PC using Quest's Remote Desktop application, adding another step.
I will continue to use the feature over the coming weeks to see if the Windows integration is really easier in everyday use than other programs like Virtual Desktop, which also offers multi-monitor support and much more. However, we will only be able to draw a conclusion when the feature leaves the beta phase.
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