Facebook has updated its Oculus Quest lineup to version 30 (v30) just two months after the release of Quest version 29 (v29).
The update introduces a trove of new features, with key takeaways including virtual reality (VR) advertisement testing and an experimental Airlink system for Quest 2 devices.
V30 brings with it improved accessibility features and a device-wide rollout of Airlink drivers compatible with first-generation Quest devices.
What is Airlink
Airlink allows Quest users to stream PC-VR games to headsets without the use of cables.
Quest devices do require PC links, but are limited to the headset’s graphical and CPU processing power. Streaming VR content opens up Quest devices to a huge library of apps using a sufficient WiFi signal.
This feature was previously exclusive to Quest 2 devices, but has been expanded to all Quest headsets with the V30 update, opening new opportunities for avid gamers as well as enterprises.
The Oculus Quest app store also contains a range of software for remote collaboration, such as Glue Collaboration or Engage VR.
Remote collaboration software is usually downgraded to match the specifications of the Quest 2, namely as most VR applications are initially designed for PC-VR setups.
Facebook’s acceptance of the software on the app store calls for porting PC-VR experiences to the Quest 2 platform, which requires significant testing and development time. But with Airlink, employees can access the original PC-VR experiences for more features and improved visuals.
Enterprises can truly get the most out of Quest 2 hardware by using Airlink to quickly set up and stream any collaboration software onto Quest devices.
The Rest of the Update
Oculus has improved accessibility and communications on its platforms with V30 by adding improved layouts, chat management and an additional visual slider to help differentiate colours.
The updates follow Oculus’s push to improve accessibility after Facebook updated its virtual reality checks (VRCs) last year, which are enforced to ensure quality across such stores and broaden the scope of applications.
