The unique Oculus Quest headset was launched in 2019 and helped launch standalone VR headsets as a viable platform for video games and apps. Nevertheless, the meta is ending full help for the mannequin that began all of it.
Meta will ship emails to homeowners of the unique Meta Quest (thanks Evan!) which was referred to as Oculus Quest at launch and informed them about upcoming software program help adjustments. The corporate stated: “We launched the Quest 1 over 4 years in the past and are grateful to the Quest 1 neighborhood for advancing VR. Trying to the longer term, we stay dedicated to supporting the neighborhood of Quest 1 customers and can proceed to help the headset with a couple of adjustments.”
The unique Quest stays largely purposeful, with fixed entry to apps and video games, however Meta has added new options. As of March 5, 2023, Meta Horizon House’s social options won’t work, so Quest 1 homeowners will be unable to ask others to their residence or go to different properties. Creating and becoming a member of events can even be interrupted, and demanding bug fixes and safety fixes will solely proceed till someday in 2024.
The tip of Meta help after lower than 5 years is disappointing, particularly contemplating trendy online game consoles as a place to begin. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are nonetheless absolutely supported, despite the fact that each consoles had been launched in 2013, making them 9 years previous. The Quest is predicated on {hardware} developed for Android smartphones, most of which will not get main OS updates for 5 years, however many gadgets will proceed to work after that. Limiting new options to newer headsets is comprehensible, however eradicating present social options is extra irritating.
The Quest 2 stays Meta’s mainstream standalone VR headset, though the Quest Professional was launched final yr as a brand new premium possibility. Each gadgets have newer and extra highly effective {hardware} than the unique Quest.
We have reached out to Meta for extra details about software program help and can replace this submit once we hear again.