Meta’s Quest v71 update brings some significant changes, including a makeover of Meta Horizon OS, a calendar app, and the option to use Travel Mode on a train. The upgrade will be gradually rolled out next week.
Let us start with the overhaul. Meta claims that it is “tweaking the look and feel of Horizon OS” and that the dark and bright themes have been tuned for clarity viewing and reading contrast.” The company “also made assorted changes to the way panels look and behave, where the control bar resides, the colors of various UI elements, and so on,” according to a blog article. In addition, the Settings section gets “a new look and layout” as well as better search.
The calendar app looks like, well, a calendar app, and according to a brief video, you’ll be able to scroll through different days while in VR. According to Meta, the app will link with Google and Outlook calendars, as well as Meta Horizon Worlds events and meetings you’ve been invited to in Meta Horizon Workrooms.
With the Travel Mode upgrade, you will be able to use the feature on trains. Meta initially announced the service in May, but it was only available for usage on planes. It is important to note that when in Travel Mode, you cannot use the Quest Pro or Touch Plus controllers, therefore some games may be more difficult to play. Instead, Travel Mode is generally more suited to watching a movie or TV show while traveling. (Meta expressly states that you should not use travel mode in a car.)
You can see the full release notes for v71 on Meta’s website.
