Meta introduces exciting updates for Meta Quest headsets
Meta has announced a range of new features as part of the v57 software update for Meta Quest headsets. These features include more avatar customization options, an unsend message feature, group links, free-form locomotion ability in Horizon Home, and a rebranded Explore feed. The update is gradually rolling out to Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 headsets, with more features expected to be announced at the upcoming Connect event.
Improved Avatar Customization Options
Users can now customize their avatars with more precision, thanks to the addition of color sliders for skin tone, hair color, and eyebrow color. Meta has also introduced new makeup and face paint options, allowing users to accurately represent themselves in the virtual world.
Unsend Messages Feature
The new update allows users to unsend image messages while in VR and the Meta Quest mobile app. By hovering over a message and selecting “unsend message,” both the sender and recipient will receive a notification that the message has been unsent. This feature is available in select countries.
Group Links and Easy App Invitations
Meta has introduced group links, making it easier for users to invite friends to join their group. Users can generate a link and share it in VR or through messaging platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Additionally, users can now invite a group to an app from the People tab, with the invite displayed in the group chat for easy access.
Enhanced Horizon Home Experience
Horizon Home, the virtual homespace for users, now offers free-form locomotion. Users can teleport freely within their Home environment, allowing them to explore every corner. To enable free-form locomotion, users can press the controller thumbstick forward and aim at a spot in their Home to teleport.
Rebranded Horizon Feed
The Explore feed, where users discover new apps, will now be called “Horizon Feed” to align with the Horizon Worlds branding.
Additional Updates
Meta has made several minor updates, including a default option to turn off microphone audio when recording video, the ability to use multiple apps simultaneously and switch between views, and the removal of a boundary warning in apps with mixed reality experiences.