Meta Platforms has launched an ‘enormous’ v71 software update, which arrives shortly after the release of its Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset.
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The v71 update includes a Meta Horizon OS redesign, train support for Travel Mode, enhanced capabilities for the Link app on PC, a Calendar app to track your to-do list, and more.
According to the US technology conglomerate, Meta, the new software begins rolling out this week and will soon be available on related headsets.
Meta published a blog announcing the v71 update that began with a reminder of the features recently added to Meta Quest 3: “At Meta Connect in September, we mentioned how many features we’ve added to Meta Quest 3 post-launch: Travel Mode, improved contrast and colour on Passthrough, more (and better) 2D app support, plus the ability to rearrange those 2D apps as needed and multitask in mixed reality.
“It’s been a whirlwind year, and with Meta Quest 3S now in people’s hands as well, we’re excited to build on that momentum and keep improving the experience—starting with our Meta Quest v71 software update.”
Meta Quest Makeover
Version 71 brings with it a new look and feel to Horizon OS. Light and dark themes have been updated to improve viewing and reading contrast.
Other enhancements have been made to the panels, control bar, and the user interface colours.
New settings have been added to Quest since it was first debuted in 2019, along with a redesigned settings menu that is now ‘more intuitively organised’ with improved search to help you find what you are looking for. Meta also points to the possibility of adding new ways of adjusting headset feature in the future.
Train Travel and Link
First announced at Meta Connect, support for travel mode is being extended so that the Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S can be utilised while on the train to watch films in theatre mode, listen to music, and work.
Travel mode is accessible via the Meta Quest quick settings menu.
The Meta Quest Link lets you connect a Meta Quest headset to a Windows computer, allowing you to access games and media.
Now the Link feature is being enabled by default easing this connection to compatible PCs.
The Meta Quest Link app on PC ‘streamlines’ the process of accessing your full PC desktop, in a similar way to the Meta Quest Remote Desktop app.
The remote desktop is being moved to quick settings on the Quest side so it will be available when it is needed.
Users will also be able to send their headset’s view to a PC, enabling them to easily capture or stream video.
Calendar, Video Sharing, and Volume Mixer
Meta believes its new Calendar app will help to improve user productivity: “Meta Quest is great for getting work done. Get some space to yourself, lock in, and knock out that report you’ve been meaning to write, zero distractions.
“But the world keeps moving, so later this month we’re introducing a new Calendar app that will make it easier to keep track of everything, even as you carve out some time for yourself.
“The Meta Quest Calendar integrates with Google and Outlook Calendars, so you can easily check your schedule and ensure you make that next meeting.”
Furthermore, the Calendar app includes Meta Horizon Worlds events and Workroom integrations to ease virtual meetups.
The latest Meta Quest software update also eases video sharing into Horizon Chat and adds a Volume Mixer to Meta Quest with separate volume controls for calls and apps and media.
