Oculus Quest Update Includes Wireless Headset Connection and Putting Apps Side by Side

Sophie Webster, Tech Times 18 June 2021, 11:06 am

Oculus Quest is getting an update. Facebook is set to roll out the v30 update to both the Oculus Quest and Quest 2 VR headsets.

As announced by Facebook CEO on June 15, the v30 update includes a new multitasking interface for Infinite Office that lets players put multiple apps side by side, including browsers, Oculus Move, Oculus TV, the store, and more.

Oculus Quest Update

Just like many new Oculus Quest features, the update will be found in the Experimental section of the settings menu.

As soon as multitasking is enabled, the apps can be dragged up from the menu bar or the app's library and placed into position, according to The Verge.

Also Read: Oculus Quest 2 Update Now Supports Facebook Messenger: How to DM in Virtual Reality

The v30 update also allows the use of Air Link for the original Quest headset. The Air Link came to the Quest 2 in April, and it allows you to stream VR games from your PC to your headset wirelessly, unlike the Oculus Link, which does the same thing over a USB-C cable.

The original Quest owners could stream PC games wirelessly using the third-party app called Virtual Desktop.

One of the new features included in this update is the accessibility tab to the settings menu that allows for height adjustment so that games can be experienced from a standing viewpoint while seated.

Oculus has also added the ability to switch the headset's built-in microphone between system-wide party chat and the app that you are using.

The update might not pop up on your headset immediately because of the staggered rollout process, but Facebook assures the players that it is coming.

Oculus Quest Ads

The v30 update announcement came after Facebook confirmed that it would be adding adverts to Oculus Quest. Facebook revealed that it is testing in-headset ads in numerous virtual reality titles.

Facebook acquired Oculus in 2014, and players have predicted that it is only a matter of time before the company makes changes to the software, according to IGN.

Players can expect that in their next VR experience, they will see some commercials in it. Luckily, the ads won't be view-obscuring popups that will interrupt the game or the experience.

Instead, the ads will be integrated into the virtual reality scene. It will be like a billboard that fits into the VR world, but which players can virtually click on to view video content or save a link for later.

Facebook's argument is that ads are necessary, given the need to monetize VR experiences. In a statement released by Slash Gear, the company said that Facebook's primary focus is to bring more people into virtual reality, advance the experience, and make progress on their long-term augmented reality initiatives.

Facebook added that they are also exploring new ways for developers to generate revenue. It is the main part of ensuring that they are creating a self-sustaining platform that can support a variety of business models that unlock new types of content and audiences. It also helps them continue to make innovative AR/VR hardware more accessible to more people.

Facebook is set to test out the ad system with "Blaston" from Resolution Games, together with a few other developers with titles that are rolling out in the next couple of weeks.