As the year winds down, VR enthusiasts have plenty to celebrate with the latest Meta Quest v72 update. Whether you’re already a proud Meta Quest owner or hoping to unwrap a Quest 3 or 3S this holiday season, this update packs some exciting new features that push the boundaries of productivity, interaction, and fun in VR. Let’s dive in!
1. Seamless Remote Desktop for Windows 11
Meta Quest 3 and 3S are now more integrated with Windows 11 than ever. Thanks to a partnership with Microsoft, accessing your PC from VR is as simple as looking at it. This experimental feature eliminates the hassle of pairing by making the process seamless.
How to Enable Remote Desktop:
- On your Windows 11 PC, download the Mixed Reality Link app from the Microsoft Store.
- On your Quest, enable “Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link” under Advanced Settings.
- Look at your PC to initiate pairing and follow the prompts.
Once set up, reconnecting to your PC is as simple as a glance and a click.
2. Keyboard Tracking for Any Keyboard
Previously limited to select keyboards, the v72 update introduces dynamic keyboard tracking. Your Quest headset will now detect any nearby keyboard and overlay it with Passthrough visuals, letting you work seamlessly in virtual environments like a cabin in the woods or a futuristic cityscape.
This feature will roll out gradually, so if it’s not available right away, hang tight—it’s coming!
3. Hand Tracking 2.3: Magic at Your Fingertips
Hand tracking continues to evolve, and v72 brings major improvements:
- Stability and Responsiveness: Better cursor tracking and pinch interactions.
- New Hand Ray Visualization: Easier targeting for menu navigation.
- Improved Confined Space Usage: Perfect for Travel Mode and smaller play spaces.
- Reduced “Hand Stealing”: Quest now focuses on your hands, even in crowded rooms.
You’ll also notice smoother performance in low-light conditions, making late-night VR sessions or dark environments more intuitive than ever.
4. Instagram Direct Messenger on Quest
VR socializing gets a boost with the addition of Instagram Direct Messenger. Chat with friends, share Reels, or send voice messages—all without leaving your headset. To get started, open the Instagram app on Quest and click the Messenger icon.
5. Media Gallery
Managing your VR memories has never been easier. The new Media Gallery app lets you:
- View and organize screenshots, videos, and captures.
- Free up storage or back up your content.
- Relive your favorite moments from Meta Horizon Worlds and beyond.
Find the Media Gallery app in your Library after updating.
6. Call Captions for Accessibility
Live captions are now available for calls through the People app, making it easier for the deaf and hard of hearing to connect with friends. Enable captions in the Accessibility tab or People app settings to see live transcripts during calls.
Wrapping Up 2024 and Looking Ahead
From enhanced hand tracking and improved Passthrough to new productivity tools and accessibility features, v72 caps off an incredible year for Meta Quest. With even bigger plans on the horizon for 2025, now’s the perfect time to jump into the world of VR—or gift a Meta Quest 3S to someone special.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know in the comments which v72 features you’re most excited about! 🕶️✨