Today, Meta announced a series of improvements to its Quest platform, part of the v50 OS update. Among these upgrades is an experimental feature called "Direct Touch," which allows users to interact with their VR environment using only their bare hands.
Hand Tracking 2.0: The Future of VR Interaction?
The Quest platform has had hand tracking since 2019, but the new Direct Touch setting takes it to the next level. Users can now tap on buttons, swipe through the game library, and even type out messages on the virtual keyboard – all without using controllers.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently showcased this feature in an Instagram Reel, where he demonstrated how easy it is to use hand gestures to interact with the system. In his caption, Zuckerberg described these new features as "much more natural."
Direct Touch: A More Intuitive Way to Interact
The company emphasizes that Direct Touch offers a "more intuitive and engaging way to interact with the system and 2D panels in general." This feature is available on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro, and can be accessed within the Experimental Settings tab.
In-Game Multitasking: A Game-Changer for VR Users
Meta Quest 2 users will also benefit from the introduction of in-game multitasking. Previously only available on Meta Quest Pro, this feature allows users to launch 2D apps while playing games – such as Instagram, the Meta Quest Browser, and more.
Improved Controller Performance
The v50 update also includes a performance boost for self-tracking on the Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers. This means that when you put on your headset, it will take less time for the controllers to understand their position, resulting in faster response times.
The Future of VR: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment
Despite Reality Labs losing $13.7 billion in 2022, Meta continues to invest heavily in the metaverse. In fact, the company plans to launch a consumer VR headset later this year – a move that could potentially disrupt the market.
Apple Enters the VR Scene: A New Player to Watch
Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is developing its own VR headset with advanced eye-tracking and hand-tracking capabilities. This development could signal a new era of competition in the VR space, as Meta’s Reality Labs prepares for the launch of its consumer headset.
Meta’s continued investment in VR and AR technology is a testament to the company’s commitment to building a metaverse that is intuitive, immersive, and accessible to all. As we move forward into this exciting new frontier, one thing is certain: the future of VR will be shaped by innovative features like Direct Touch and in-game multitasking.
Key Takeaways
- Meta introduces Direct Touch, an experimental feature allowing users to interact with their VR environment using only their bare hands.
- The v50 OS update also includes improved controller performance for self-tracking on the Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers.
- In-game multitasking is now available on Meta Quest 2, previously only accessible on Meta Quest Pro.
- Apple enters the VR space with its own headset featuring advanced eye-tracking and hand-tracking capabilities.
What’s Next?
As we await the launch of Meta’s consumer VR headset later this year, one thing is certain: the future of VR will be shaped by innovative features like Direct Touch and in-game multitasking. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in VR technology.
Sources
- Bloomberg: Apple Developing Its Own Virtual Reality Headset
- Meta Blog: v50 OS Update Brings Exciting New Features to Quest Platform
