Meta Quest v74 Update Adds New Casting Features and Improvements

Meta’s line of VR headsets, Meta Quest, is getting a v74 update rolling out that adds new features, fixes issues, and expands upon casting options. Some Meta Quest features are also rolling out to all headsets after previously only being available in experimental mode.

The Meta Quest line of VR headsets has been extremely popular, albeit with some bumpy releases, like the now-discontinued Meta Quest Pro. While the expensive headset didn’t find its expected audience, the more affordable variants have been adopted more than the company’s competitors largely due to the ability to use them wirelessly without the need for a PC or PlayStation 5.

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Meta has now launched its v74 update for Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S, and Meta Quest Pro headsets. A big element of the update is improving upon casting and adding new ways to use external screens. Meta claims that it has “significantly improved” upon the way that casting works, so users may find it easier to connect and stream to an external monitor. However, the Meta Quest v74 update is also adding the ability to plug the VR headset in directly to a secondary screen via a USB-C DisplayPort connection. This should eliminate wireless latency and should provide a simple way of showing off what the user is seeing to those who aren’t wearing the headsets.

A number of the additions in this update are changing the way that existing features worked. For example, the devices will now automatically recognize when a user is in a moving vehicle, and will ask if they want to switch to Meta Quest’s Travel Mode. Night Display passthrough has been improved, the Quest system tray will now work when using it as a PC VR headset, the device will indicate which 2D apps have been opened and minimized, and multitasking has been moved out of experimental and into a standard release. Additionally, the v74 update has added the ability to create shortcuts to URLs, which are placed in the library, making it an easy way to access sites that users visit frequently.

It’s likely that a successor to the Meta Quest 3 is still a long ways out, considering the less expensive Meta Quest 3S launched in late 2024. However, Meta has been good about updating the devices regularly since the original Oculus Quest, not only adding new features and options, but also improving the overall performance of the devices. As a result, some Meta Quest users may find that their devices work better months or even years after buying them than they did at launch. However, users should keep in mind that like all Meta Quest updates, these roll out to users in waves, so it may take some time before the v74 update arrives on all active headsets.

Improved 2D app management

Minimized 2D applications are now shown above the universal menu, making it easy to see which applications are still open. Select a minimized application to bring it back into view.

Seamless multitasking

Seamless multitasking is rolling out gradually for global availability. Multitask more effectively by keeping the universal menu and up to three windows open while focusing on immersive experiences. This can be used to look up information, watch videos, or chat with friends while staying engaged with your immersive games and apps.

Secondary users in Meta Horizon app

Secondary users can now connect to the Meta Horizon mobile app. For Quest owners with multiple profiles on their headset, this means that the secondary profiles can take full advantage of mobile app features such as casting and viewing battery or controller status. This update is especially helpful for parents whose child or teen is a secondary user and they’d like to have their child cast to a mobile phone.

Mirroring to External Displays

It is now possible for Quest 3 headsets to cast/mirror directly to external displays with high resolution and low latency. To get started, just connect your Quest 3 and external display using a USB C cable that supports Display Port Alt Mode. This can be useful for content creation, livestreaming and live demos.

Meta Quest Link app improvements

The Meta Quest Link app now includes system tray support, giving quick access to device status and quick actions while Meta Quest Link is running in the background.

Browser shortcuts in Library

Easily access your favorite websites by adding a shortcut to your Library. To add a shortcut, go to your favorite website in Browser, select the menu icon at the top right and select Add this page to your library. Now you can launch that website directly from your library.

Automatically adjust microphone and game audio balance

This setting uses a real-time algorithm to provide a better sounding balance between the microphone and game audio. When you choose to include the microphone in your video recordings, this new feature will result in hearing your microphone more clearly.

You have the option to turn this off and set manual levels for your relative microphone and game audio levels.

Travel detection

If your device detects that your experience would be enhanced by turning on travel mode, you’ll be prompted to do so through the existing tracking dialogs.

Night display update

Night display has been updated to improve the consistency of color balance, white point and warmth in passthrough experiences. To enable night display, go to Quick settings and select Night display.

Spatial audio for 2D windows

Enabled spatial audio in 2D calling applications like Whatsapp and the People app. Spatial audio allows audio from select windows to sound like it is coming from the position of the window in your physical space.

Improved crash reporting

A new dialog will let you know when an app has crashed. You have the option to report the problem to expedite the fix.

Casting changes

For those who wish to share the fun of Meta Quest with their friends and family, we have significantly improved the reliability of our casting options. To get started casting, select Cast in the quick settings menu.

Improved multi-room space setup

We’ve improved the experience when scanning multiple rooms during space setup. Move from one room to the next without interruption and create a complete scan of your space in a single, continuous session.

Transitioning to immersive experiences

We’ve improved the transition experience from home to an immersive app, reducing the likelihood of having to wait through a black screen while your selected app loads.

Meta Quest 3S

Brand

Meta

Storage

128GB or 256GB

VR Support

Yes

Resolution

1832×1920 (Per Eye)

Original Release Date

October 15, 2024

Original MSRP (USD)

$299.99

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