Meta is testing exciting new features for its Quest VR headsets. The latest update, called v77, lets some users turn regular Instagram photos into 3D images and try a new menu system called Navigator. These changes aim to make virtual reality more fun and easier to use.
Flat Instagram Photos Become 3D in VR
Meta is using smart AI tools to add depth to normal Instagram photos. This means old pictures of your dog or vacation can look like they pop out of the screen when you wear a Quest headset. For example, a photo of a birthday cake might look like you can almost touch the frosting.
How It Works
The AI studies each photo pixel by pixel to guess how it should look in 3D. You do not need a special camera. Meta is testing this with a small group of users first. Even if you are picked, you might not see the feature right away.
This is not Meta’s first 3D photo test. In 2018, the company added 3D photos to Facebook. Now they want to bring that magic to Instagram in VR.
Navigator: A New Menu for Quick Access
The new Navigator menu helps you find apps and settings faster. Press the Meta button on your right controller, and a clear panel appears over your screen. Here you can see:
- Recent apps you used
- Favorite apps you pinned
- Notifications and battery life
People testing Navigator say it feels like using a smartphone in VR. You can check messages while playing games without closing anything. Some users say it lags sometimes, but Meta is fixing that.
Other Cool Features in the Update
Bluetooth Audio Support
You can now connect wireless earbuds or headphones to your Quest headset. This feature is experimental, so you must turn it on in settings.
Windows That Follow You
Pin a window like a browser or chat app, and it will float beside you as you move. No more dragging screens around.
One App for PC Connections
Meta combined three tools into one app called Horizon for PC. This makes it easier to link your Quest headset to a computer for gaming or work.
Problems Meta Is Still Solving
Some users miss the custom name tags they could add to their profiles. Others say 3D photos look fuzzy on older Quest headsets. Meta’s rivals, like Apple, also have 3D features, but Meta hopes Instagram’s huge user base will make theirs more popular.