Recently, Google released an update for the Quest 3 YouTube application. This would allow users to stream his 8K videos to Meta Quest 3, at least in theory.
Despite the update, the Quest 3 headset cannot stream up to 8K video as the device quality is limited to 4K. This means that the YouTube update may be experimental, as new headsets are expected to launch from various vendors this year. Google may be testing 8K in preparation for 8K streaming on devices like Meta.
Meta has not yet confirmed 8K streaming on its Quest portfolio. However, the company is constantly developing new XR devices, and the company’s annual showcase event, Connect 2024, may expand this YouTube update to directly support 8K hardware streaming.
However, whether 8K streaming will be included in Meta Quest or other headsets is still speculation and cannot be confirmed.
A notable selling point of XR headsets, from Xreal to Apple to Meta, is the ability to watch traditional video and gaming content on a large, immersive screen that emulates a movie screen.
The virtual scale of these screens is large, so high resolution is required to ensure quality. As more users adopt XR devices for media streaming, higher quality output will be required to compete with already high quality screens.
Will Meta introduce 8K hardware this year? If so, keep an eye out for Meta Connect 2024, where the company usually makes big product and news announcements.
Meta strengthens Quest portfolio in 2024
Meta faces stiff competition in 2024. The company still dominates the XR device market with its popular Quest lineup, but the sector is being shaken up by vendors like Apple, LG, and Samsung entering the market.
This seems to have led Meta to optimize their devices and focus on the right user base.
Meta recently announced that it will be releasing new products later this year. This product is designed to improve the use of his XR headset in classrooms and educational spaces. The Meta Quest product range is dedicated to education and aims to help education professionals better understand and use their XR technology.
The new education-specific XR applications and management features are similar to the Meta Quest for Business product model launched last year. These educational solutions allow teachers, trainers, and administrators to manage and use multiple Quest devices simultaneously in the classroom.
Advanced device management tools eliminate the need for teachers to update or manually prepare individual devices. This means teachers can focus on teaching rather than managing devices.
Additionally, this news comes after Meta updated its Quest 3 products to version 64.
The latest update to Meta Quest 3, version 64, includes several passthrough improvements, improved graphics quality, richer colors, and improved exposure, contrast, and dynamic range. These enhancements make the user experience more immersive and improve spatial awareness.
Additionally, a new pass-through feature will allow users to see even the smallest details of their real-world surroundings, such as phone notifications. This feature is especially important in corporate or industrial environments where safety is a top priority.
This update also allows you to connect an external microphone to improve sound quality and improve functionality when lying down. Additionally, the continuous cast feature allows you to stream AR/VR/MR content even when you remove the headset rather than quitting the application.
The Meta Quest 3 storefront now includes a layout application and user interface system that mirrors the Vision Pro framework. The service allows users to scan their surroundings and precisely place AR/MR assets that can react to the real world. Additionally, the service provides tools to measure object length and height, making AR/MR assets look more realistic with immersive visuals.
