Meta’s series of VR headgear, Meta Quest, is getting a v74 upgrade that adds new capabilities, solves bugs, and expands casting options. Some Meta Quest features are now available on all headsets, having previously been available exclusively in experimental mode.
The Meta Quest line of VR headsets has been immensely popular, despite some rocky releases, such as the now-defunct Meta Quest Pro. While the pricey headset did not find its intended audience, the more affordable variations were accepted more than the company’s competitors, owing to its ability to be used wirelessly without the requirement for a PC or PlayStation 5.
- Meta Quest v74 update enhances casting options to external screens with USB-C DisplayPort connection.
- Meta Quest line popular due to affordable wireless options without need for PC/PS5.
- Meta developing high-end Meta Quest headset rumored as successor to Meta Quest Pro.
Meta has released the v74 update for the Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S, and Meta Quest Pro headsets. The update focuses on improving casting and offering new ways to use external screens. Meta claims to have “significantly improved” the way casting works, making it easier for users to connect and stream to an external monitor. However, the Meta Quest v74 update also includes the ability to connect the VR headset directly to a secondary screen using a USB-C DisplayPort connection. This should reduce wireless latency and give an easy way to demonstrate what the user is seeing to those who are not wearing headsets.
A number of the additions in this version alter the way current functionality function. For example, the devices will now recognize when a user is in a moving car and prompt them to switch to Meta Quest’s Travel Mode. Night Display passthrough has been improved, the Quest system tray now works when used as a PC VR headset, the device will show which 2D programs have been opened and dismissed, and multitasking has been moved from experimental to regular release. In addition, the v74 upgrade included the ability to create URL shortcuts that are saved in the library, making it easier to reach sites that users visit frequently.
Given the release of the less priced Meta Quest 3S in late 2024, a successor to the Meta Quest 3 is likely a long way off. However, Meta has been fantastic at updating the devices on a regular basis since the first Oculus Quest, not just providing new features and options, but also increasing overall device performance. As a result, some Meta Quest users may discover that their gadgets perform better months or even years after purchase than they did at launch. However, users should keep in mind that, like all Meta Quest upgrades, the v74 update will be rolled out in waves, so it may take some time until it is available on all active headsets.
Meta Quest build 74.0 release notes
Improved 2D app management
Minimized 2D apps are now displayed above the universal menu, making it clear which applications are still active. Choose a minimized application to bring it back into view.
Seamless multitasking
Seamless multitasking is progressively being rolled out globally. Multitask more efficiently by keeping the universal menu and up to three windows active while concentrating on immersive activities. This can be used to search up information, watch movies, or talk with pals while playing immersive games and apps.
Secondary users in Meta Horizon app
Secondary users can now access the Meta Horizon mobile application. For Quest owners who have multiple profiles on their headset, this implies that additional profiles can fully utilize mobile app capabilities like casting and examining battery or controller status. This upgrade is especially beneficial for parents whose child or teen is a secondary user and wishes to have their youngster cast on a mobile phone.
Mirroring to External Displays
Quest 3 headsets may now cast/mirror directly to external displays at high quality and low latency. To get started, connect your Quest 3 to an external display with a USB C cable that supports Display Port Alt Mode. This can be handy for content development, livestreaming, and live demonstrations.
Meta Quest Link app improvements
The Meta Quest Link app now features system tray support, allowing you to quickly monitor device status and perform actions while Meta Quest Link is operating in the background.
Browser shortcuts in Library
By creating a shortcut in your Library, you can easily access your favorite websites. To create a shortcut, navigate to your favorite website in Browser, click the menu button in the upper right corner, and select Add this page to your library. You can now launch the website directly from your library.
Automatically adjust microphone and game audio balance
This option employs a real-time algorithm to achieve a better sounding balance between the microphone and game audio. When you opt to include a microphone in your video recordings, this new function will allow you to hear it more clearly.
You may turn this off and manually adjust the microphone and game audio levels.
Travel detection
If your device determines that using travel mode would improve your experience, it will prompt you to do so using the existing tracking dialogs.
Night display update
The night display has been improved to improve uniformity in color balance, white point, and warmth during passthrough experiences. To enable night display, navigate to Quick Settings and select Night display.
Spatial audio for 2D windows
Spatial audio has been enabled in 2D calling programs such as WhatsApp and the People app. Spatial audio enables audio from certain windows to sound like it is coming from the window’s position in your real area.
Improved crash reporting
When an application crashes, a new dialog will appear. You can report the problem to accelerate its resolution.
Casting changes
For those who want to share the excitement of Meta Quest with their friends and family, we have considerably enhanced the reliability of our casting choices. To begin casting, pick Cast from the fast settings menu.
Improved multi-room space setup
We improved the experience of scanning many rooms during space configuration. Move from one area to the next without interruption, completing a thorough scan of your space in a single, continuous session.
Transitioning to immersive experiences
We’ve optimized the transition from home to an immersive app, lowering the possibility of needing to wait for a black screen while your chosen app loads.
