Even More Quest v71 Features! Avatar Selfie, Meta AI, Spacetop & Tons More!

Introduction

Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing fantastic today. In this article, we will delve into the latest updates in AR and VR, particularly focusing on Meta's new features and offerings following the launch of Quest OS v71. This week, Meta has provided several exciting updates that enhance user experience in Horizon Worlds, introduce new AI functionalities, and even shift strategies with their hardware products.

Meta Portals Launch in Horizon Worlds

Meta has officially opened portals in Horizon Worlds, allowing users to seamlessly jump between different virtual environments. This feature, which many users have been eagerly awaiting, enhances the immersive experience by allowing users to explore different worlds directly through their headsets. As of this week, those who have been looking forward to this update should begin to see portals in the Horizon Terrace and other virtual environments.

Improvements in Theater View

In addition to portals, Meta's Horizon OS v71 comes with a redesign of the control bar in Theater View. Users will now notice a pill-shaped control bar that appears when they hover their cursor just below the bottom center edge of the panel. This update aims to improve user interaction while in Theater View by simplifying navigation and making access to features like close, minimize, and enter theater view much more intuitive.

Meta AI Expands to New Regions

Another significant update is the expansion of Meta AI to Australian and UK customers. Previously available only in the US and Canada, the UK will initially see a voice-only version of Meta AI on Ray-Ban glasses. In contrast, Australian users will benefit from a visual element as the AI uses the camera for responses. This step brings Meta closer to its goal of an integrated AR experience, though it highlights some regulatory hurdles that may affect future rollouts in Europe.

Enhanced Casting and PC Connectivity

Meta has updated its Meta Quest Link PC application, now allowing users to cast directly from their headset to their PC without external applications like SideQuest. This integration simplifies the process for users looking to enjoy PC VR experiences. Although some casting features like Casting 2.0 cinematic mode are still only available through the developer hub, this is a promising step for more accessible streaming capabilities.

Avatar Creation Simplified

One of the exciting additions in this update is the ability to generate Meta Avatars just from a selfie. For those who find avatar customization to be a cumbersome task, this feature could prove to be a game-changer. Users can take a selfie using their smartphone's front camera to create an avatar, making the process faster and more intuitive. The new avatars feature updated graphics and animations, further enhancing user representation in the Metaverse.

Spacetop G1 Cancellation

In a disappointing turn of events, the Spacetop G1 project has been canceled. Originally designed to be a screenless laptop paired with AR glasses, the project faced numerous challenges, and all pre-order deposits are being refunded. Instead, the company aims to create AR software for existing Windows laptops that will integrate with the xra Air 2 ultra AR glasses. While the cancellation of a highly anticipated product is unfortunate, this pivot towards software development could still present new opportunities for spatial computing.

Juno App Removal from Apple Vision Store

Lastly, Juno, a third-party app for YouTube on Apple Vision, has been removed following pressure from YouTube. The developer, Christian Selig, updated the app in compliance with YouTube's requests, but ultimately, the app is no longer available. While users can still access YouTube via a web browser on Vision Pro, the lack of a dedicated native application might dampen the user experience.

Conclusion

These latest developments from Meta signify their commitment to enhancing VR and AR experiences for users. With exciting features rolling out in the Horizon platform, an expansion of AI functionalities, a new approach to avatar creation, and significant changes in hardware strategy, there's plenty to look forward to in the ever-evolving VR landscape.

Keywords

Meta Portals, Horizon Worlds, v71 Update, Theater View, Meta AI, Ray-Ban Glasses, Avatar Creation, Spacetop, Juno App, PC Connectivity, Casting Feature.

FAQ

Q: What are Meta Portals and when will they be available?
A: Meta Portals enable users to jump between different virtual environments in Horizon Worlds and are expected to be available this week.

Q: What changes were made to Theater View in Horizon OS v71?
A: The control bar in Theater View has been redesigned to a more intuitive pill shape, improving user interaction.

Q: How has Meta AI expanded its reach?
A: Meta AI is now available in the UK and Australia, with the UK version being voice-only in the initial rollout.

Q: What is the new feature for Avatar creation?
A: Users can now create Meta Avatars using a selfie taken with their smartphone, simplifying the customization process.

Q: What happened to the Spacetop G1?
A: The Spacetop G1 has been canceled, and pre-order deposits are being refunded. The company plans to focus on software development for AR systems instead.

Q: Why was the Juno app removed from the Apple Vision Store?
A: Juno was removed following claims from YouTube regarding violations of terms of service, despite attempts by the developer to comply with the requests.