Meta Quest 3 Update Solving User Pain Points and Adding New Functions
Meta has launched the v66 update for the Quest 3 on June 5th, solving three major pain points that have plagued users at one go: distorted screen in passthrough mode, inconvenience in summoning the menu with gesture recognition, and pausing of background audio.
Firstly, the long-standing problem of distorted screen in passthrough mode that has bothered users has finally been improved. Previously, in the passthrough mode of Quest series devices, the real-world screen would distort significantly, affecting the usage experience. After the update, this problem has been greatly alleviated, and the real-world screen is clearer.
Secondly, the v66 update introduces a brand-new menu summoning method - wrist button. Users only need to lightly touch the new button on the wrist to easily bring up the menu, saying goodbye to the previous cumbersome gesture recognition operation (requiring staring at the palm and pinching fingers).
Finally, the v66 update also adds the long-awaited background audio function. Now, when users start a browser, play music or video in the VR device, even if the app is minimized, it will not automatically pause playback. This means that users can enjoy their favorite music while playing VR games freely, enhancing the diversity of the VR experience.
TapTechNews noticed that this update also brings support for the web version of high-definition Netflix. In addition, the update also brings many practical small functions, such as hiding applications, automatically recognizing room objects (windows, doors, tables, etc.) to enhance the realism of MR games, and synchronizing photos and videos in the head-mounted display to the online photo album, etc.
Some functions of this update are not exclusive to Quest 3. For example, the wrist button and background audio functions will also be gradually launched on Quest 2 and QuestPro. However, the improved passthrough display function is only for Quest 3, and the update will be delivered in batches (technically independent of the v66 update).
It is worth mentioning that one of the big problems that users have been reporting all along is that the Quest series devices tend to run out of battery or require forced update after being idle for a while. Meta seems to be actively improving this. According to John Carmack, the former CTO of Oculus, the problem of excessive power consumption when idle is being improved. At the same time, after the update, a new 'leep mode' option will appear when pressing and holding the power button. As long as the head-mounted display is connected to the power supply, the device can perform background updates in the sleep mode.