Quest 2 developers will receive an additional 7% of GPU compute power, as Meta provides them more resources to work with for boosted visuals in applications and games. This makes the headset a great deal despite its price bump, as the company continuously improves the platform through several updates.
Gavin Menichini, using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, gives a demonstration of the Immersed Virtual Reality program which can be used for many applications including virtual meetings at the Immersed offices on January 28, 2022 in Austin, Texas. - While still the stuff of science fiction for most people, forerunners of the metaverse vision for the internet's future are already de rigueur for handfuls of people beyond the gamer and techno-hipster crowds.
SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images
(Photo : SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images) Gavin Menichini, using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, gives a demonstration of the Immersed Virtual Reality program which can be used for many applications including virtual meetings at the Immersed offices on January 28, 2022 in Austin, Texas. - While still the stuff of science fiction for most people, forerunners of the metaverse vision for the internet's future are already de rigueur for handfuls of people beyond the gamer and techno-hipster crowds.
Giving 7% More GPU Compute Power
Meta increased the power of its Meta Quest 2, as it gave an additional 7% of GPU compute power to its developers. According to Meta's blogpost, this will improve the ability to leverage higher pixel density without reducing resolution. Developers can take advantage of the new 525 MHz GPU frequency, which is 7 percent higher than the previous number, which stood at 490 MHz.
"We're continuing to work on ways to improve developer tools and experiences, including finding ways to help you improve pixel quality and app performance," Meta stated.
Developers will not need to add any extra code to their projects to utilize this boost, as Meta's "Dynamic Clocking System" will be increasing the frequency automatically when needed. Dynamic foveation will be able to work with the new increase in power by adjusting the graphics quality as priority before foveation begins.
XDA-Developers reported that there might be an inconvenience to utilize the increased power. Users will need to launch the application first, then remove the headset, and put it back on to activate the power. Meta clarified that this step is only temporary, as it will no longer be necessary for the upcoming v49 update.
Meta Spokesperson David Gordon stated that the update does not have a noticeable impact when it comes to battery life since the additional power draw will be much smaller and limited to cases where the increased power is needed.
He added that there are still no applications that have been designed with this update but current applications that are sometimes GPU bound will be able to leverage it automatically.
During his interview with The Verge, Gordon stated that "Meta has spent months experimenting with this unlock / feature to assess and understand consumer and developer benefits." This will only be the latest piece of the major update that Meta will be adding to Quest 2 post-launch
Meta Quest 2 can be purchased at your local or online retailers. As of now, the price of the base model with 128GB costs $350. Meta also includes two games at this price point, which are Resident Evil 4 and Beat Saber.
