Google Introduces 8K Streaming on Meta Quest

Recently, Google released an update to its Quest 3 YouTube application, which allows users to stream 8K videos to their Meta Quest 3 – at least in theory.

Despite the update, Quest 3 headsets cannot stream up to 8K video, as the device’s quality is capped at 4K. This means that the YouTube update could be experimental, as new headsets are due this year from various vendors; Google may be testing 8K to prep themselves for 8K streaming on devices from Meta and others.

Meta has not confirmed 8K streaming on its Quest portfolio yet. However, the firm is constantly developing new XR devices and at Connect 2024 – the firm’s yearly showcase event – the firm may expand upon this YouTube update, directly supporting 8K hardware streaming.

However, whether 8K streaming comes to Meta Quest or other headsets is still speculative, and no confirmations are available.

A notable selling point of XR headsets from Xreal to Apple to Meta is the ability to view traditional video and gaming content on large-scale immersive screens that emulate a cinema screen.

Due to the large virtual scale of these screens, a high resolution is required to ensure quality. As more users adopt XR devices for media streaming, a higher-quality output is needed to compete with screens that are already high-quality.

Will Meta introduce 8K hardware this year? If they do, watch for Meta Connect 2024, where the firm usually debuts massive products and news.

Meta Ramps Up Quest Portfolio in 2024

Meta is facing stiff competition in 2024. While the firm still rules the XR device marketplace with its popular Quest lineup, the space is being shaken by vendors like Apple, LG, and Samsung entering the market.

This seemingly leads Meta to optimise and focus its devices on the correct user bases.

Meta has recently announced that they will release a new product later this year. This product is designed to improve the use of XR headsets in classrooms and educational spaces. The Meta Quest product range is dedicated to education and aims to help educational professionals better understand and use 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 education solutions empower teachers, trainers, and administrators to manage and use multiple Quest devices in a classroom simultaneously.

The deep device management tools eliminate the need for teachers to update devices individually and pre-prepare them manually and separately. This means that teachers can focus on teaching instead of device management.

Moreover, the news comes after Meta updated its Quest 3 product to version 64.

The latest update for the Meta Quest 3, version 64, offers several passthrough improvements, resulting in better graphics quality, richer colours, exposure, contrast, and dynamic range. These enhancements make the user’s experience more immersive and improve their spatial awareness.

Moreover, the new passthrough features allow users to see even minor details of their real-world surroundings, such as phone notifications. This feature is especially critical in enterprise or industrial settings, where safety is paramount.

The update also introduces the ability to connect external microphones to improve audio quality and improvements while lying down. Additionally, the continuous casting feature enables AR/VR/MR content to be streamed even if the headset is removed instead of ending an application’s operation.

The Meta Quest 3 storefront now includes the Layout application and user interface system, which mirrors the Vision Pro framework. This service enables users to scan their surroundings and accurately place AR/MR assets that can react to the real world. Moreover, the service offers tools to measure an object’s length and height, making the AR/MR assets look more realistic alongside immersive visuals.