Meta hosted its Connect conference for 2022 just now to
reveal its latest VR products and tools. These include a new version of the Quest
headset, new professional integrations with Microsoft, updated interaction
tools, and control devices.
Meta’s new Quest headset is priced at $US1,499 and called ‘Quest
Pro’, which the company describes as its first entry in its new “high-end line”
of devices. Meta has redesigned the headset in its appearance, which is more
sleek-looking, and has developed it with innovative features including high-resolution
sensors for mixed reality experiences, a more realistic display with more pixels,
crisp LCD displays for sharp visuals, and an eye-tracking system.
Additionally, the Quest Pro facilitates multi-screen display, as well as Meta’s new VR feature called ‘Magic Rooms’, which is a combination of VR and the display of participants in a video conference.
Another important announcement by Meta revealed that the company
is partnering with Microsoft to develop a bunch of professional integrations,
including immersive meeting experiences on Microsoft Teams, and the
integration of Microsoft’s top work-apps like Word and Excel.
In addition to that, Meta has unveiled that the web version
of the Horizon Worlds is in the making, which means that soon, users will be
able to have virtual hangouts with each other on the web, and that too using
full-body avatars. Moreover, YouTube users will be able to experience Meta’s VR
features as well, in the form of watch parties in Horizon Home.
Lastly, Meta shared previews of its latest advances in electromyography, which uses detection systems to facilitate AR and VR experiences, like running commands by perceiving actions in the wrist. Meta’s AR glasses technology, Project Aria, is its latest product in this domain, which is being designed to assist people with visual impairments.
