Meta Quest VR Improvements Include Hand Tracking and Live Captions

Meta is releasing a new update for its Quest VR headset which is expected to add many new features. Some of these features include better hand-tracking along with the ability to livestream to Facebook.

Meta is Releasing a New Update for Its Quest VR Headset Called v56

According to the story by The Verge, the new update called v56, would come with better hand tracking, system-level live captions, and Facebook livestreaming capabilities. As for the hand tracking upgrade, Meta is calling this the Hand Tracking 2.2, which gives specific improvements to the feature.

Some of the highlighted improvements include hand responsiveness features as well as an experience for users that comes closer to what they would've felt when using controllers. The company also launched a way for users to test out the feature through its Move Fast demo app, which is part of App Lab.

Meta is also adding a new feature which would allow users to do swipe typing on the device's virtual keyboard. This would make it easier for users to spell certain things instead of having to manually type everything on the virtual keyboard midair.

The Update is Expected to Bring Meta's Direct Touch Technology and Other Features Back

The Verge noted that they were able to try out the hand tracking feature with Meta's Direct Touch technology on the Quest 2 sometime earlier this 2023. It was noted that they found it quite finicky, but they were still impressed regarding how the Quest UI navigation worked.

The report highlighted how the hand-tracking movements would be Meta's way of showing off what is possible with regards to its devices ahead of the launch of one of its potential major competitors, the Apple Vision Pro, which is way more expensive.

When it comes to captions, Meta notes that users can utilize them in Meta Quest TV, which is an app that allows users to watch VR video content. The live captions would also be available on the Explore and official Meta Quest Store.

Meta is Returning the Livestream Feature to Its Quest Headset

In the Meta blog post, it was noted that their goal was to be able to improve usability and even create what was described as a positive experience for people while also being able to improve accessibility for people that either have difficulty hearing or those that were deaf.

It was also highlighted that Meta is exploring the possibility of adding the experience to other devices later on. However, this is not the only accessibility-focused update that v56 will be offering as it will also give users the ability to remap the buttons within their controller.

Meta is also returning the feature that would allow users to livestream from their Quest headset directly to Facebook. This was after the company decided to get rid of this feature two years ago but according to them, due to popular demand, they've designed to redesign it, make it better, and return the feature for users.