The latest software update for the Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro has arrived, and it brings some major performance upgrades to Meta’s two VR headsets.
Meta teased the update after the release of Meta Quest 3, with a press release revealing that Quest Pro and Quest 2 will each see a 26% increase in CPU speed. What’s more, according to Meta, the Quest 2’s GPU will be boosted by up to 19 percent, while the Quest Pro’s GPU will be boosted by 11 percent.
These hardware upgrades are made possible through a software update, as Meta’s new update allows the CPU and GPU in each headset to run at higher clock speeds. Previously, both headsets ran an underclocking system—that is, maximum performance was throttled—to prevent the headset from getting too hot and causing discomfort to players. Apparently Meta thought its underclocking approach was a little too conservative, so now it’s unlocking more power.
In addition to the faster processing speed, Meta also announced improvements to the Quest Pro’s eye-tracking accuracy. While the update post doesn’t reveal too many details, we can’t help but feel like this is Meta’s first step in helping the Quest Pro catch up to Apple’s new Vision Pro headset — which could usurp Meta’s top spot. List of the best VR headsets.
One innovation in Apple’s headset is that it uses eye tracking to make hand-tracking navigation more accurate. Instead of pointing awkwardly at the app, you just look at it and pinch your fingers.
The Quest Pro’s improved eye-tracking accuracy could allow Meta to implement a system similar to Apple’s Vision Pro, and help make its eye-tracking tech even more useful.
more subtle changes
In addition to these performance improvements, the Meta Quest v55 update also brings some minor software improvements.
Now, when using direct touch hand tracking, you’ll be able to tap on swipe notifications like other menu items or tap them like buttons. And if that wasn’t enough to make interacting with your headset feel like using a smartphone, Meta also says that the full Messenger app will now launch on the Quest platform – allowing you to call and message any contact through the app , not just people using VR.
Two new virtual environments will also be provided. The future landscape in the 2023 Meta Quest game showcase combines futurism and nature, while the Great Sand Sea is a vast desert world that is an exclusive space for players who pre-ordered “Asgard’s Wrath 2”. Change your current environment to one of the following You need to go into the Quest headset settings and find the personalization menu to use these options. You should see the option to change your environment to one of these new spaces or a previously released virtual home.
Check out our interview with one of the developers to find out how Wrath of Asgard 2 will get the best out of the Oculus Quest 2.
