Meta Quest v71: A Significant Update for VR

Meta is preparing to roll out Quest v71, a substantial software update that brings major improvements to the VR experience on Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets. Scheduled for gradual release next week, this update introduces a host of new features, including enhancements to Horizon OS, a new calendar app, expanded Travel Mode, improved PC connectivity, a Volume Mixer, and upgraded video-sharing capabilities.

With Quest v71, Meta emphasizes productivity, social connectivity, and entertainment, making VR more than just a gaming platform. The update is designed to make everyday VR tasks smoother and more intuitive, whether users are commuting, collaborating, or enjoying media.

Horizon OS Gets a Major Overhaul

One of the most noticeable changes in v71 is the Horizon OS upgrade. Meta has redesigned several elements of its operating system to enhance usability and visual appeal:

• Enhanced Dark and Light Themes: Users can now enjoy better contrast and readability, reducing eye strain during long VR sessions.

• Improved Panel Functionality: System panels are now more responsive and easier to navigate, streamlining interactions with apps and menus.

• Repositioned Control Bar: The control bar has been moved to a more intuitive location for quicker access to essential features.

• Updated UI Colors: Subtle tweaks to the color palette improve overall clarity, making the interface easier on the eyes.

Additionally, v71 introduces a restructured Settings menu, which simplifies navigation and prepares the system for future updates. Search functionality is also upgraded, allowing faster and more precise results when looking for apps, settings, or content.

Travel Mode Expands Beyond Air Travel

Meta initially introduced Travel Mode for air travel in May, but with v71, the feature is expanding to include train commutes, making it easier for users to stay productive on the go.

Travel Mode now enables Quest users to:

• Access Spotify, Theater Mode, and work-related apps while on trains.

• Reduce visual distractions for safer and more comfortable use during public transportation.

• Quickly enable Travel Mode through the Quick Settings menu.

This enhancement highlights Meta’s focus on mobile VR productivity, allowing commuters to enjoy entertainment or complete tasks without leaving the virtual environment.

Enhanced PC Connectivity with Meta Quest Link

Quest v71 also brings improvements to Meta Quest Link, which allows headsets to connect directly to PCs:

• Link Enabled by Default: The connection process is simplified, reducing setup complexity for first-time users.

• Remote Desktop Support: Users can stream high-quality video from their headset to a PC using the Quick Settings menu.

• Smoother Performance: The update optimizes latency and stability, ensuring a more responsive VR experience for gaming and productivity applications.

These enhancements make PC integration more seamless, enabling VR developers, content creators, and gamers to fully utilize desktop resources while wearing a headset.

New Calendar App for VR Productivity

One of the standout features of Quest v71 is the new calendar app, designed to enhance productivity in virtual reality:

• Multi-Day View: Users can visualize several days at a glance within the VR space.

• Integration with Google and Outlook Calendars: This feature allows seamless synchronization with popular calendar platforms.

• Horizon Worlds and Workrooms Events: Users can view VR meetings and events directly within the calendar app, keeping them organized without removing the headset.

By bringing professional tools into VR, Meta is positioning its Quest platform as a practical solution for work, education, and collaboration.

Volume Mixer for Superior Audio Control

Audio management has been improved with the new Volume Mixer, which allows:

• Independent control of Call Volume and App & Media Volume.

• Enhanced multitasking for VR meetings, media consumption, and gaming.

• Better balance between communications and entertainment, making it easier to focus on both tasks simultaneously.

The Volume Mixer responds to user demand for more granular audio control, particularly for immersive work and entertainment scenarios.

Share and Watch Videos in Horizon Chat

Another major update in v71 is the ability to share and play videos directly within Horizon Chat:

• Users can stream both standard and spatial videos for shared viewing experiences.

• Friends and colleagues can watch videos together in real time, enhancing VR social interactions.

• This makes Horizon Chat a more engaging platform for collaboration, socializing, and entertainment.

Video-sharing functionality ensures that users can consume content and interact without leaving the virtual environment, bridging the gap between social interaction and media engagement.

Gradual Rollout Across Headsets

Meta will release the v71 update gradually for all Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets starting next week. While some users may receive the update earlier due to staged deployment, it will eventually be available to all eligible devices.

Why Meta Quest v71 Is a Game-Changer

The v71 update highlights Meta’s commitment to making VR more practical, social, and immersive. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced usability: Horizon OS improvements make navigation and interaction smoother.

• Mobile VR productivity: Travel Mode and calendar integration enable work and entertainment on the go.

• Seamless PC integration: Quest Link improvements bring desktop power into VR.

• Immersive social experiences: Video sharing in Horizon Chat connects users in new ways.

• Better multitasking: Volume Mixer ensures users can manage audio effectively for calls, media, and gaming.

These features collectively make the Meta Quest ecosystem more versatile, appealing to gamers, remote workers, educators, and VR enthusiasts.

Conclusion

With Meta Quest v71, the VR experience reaches a new level of sophistication. The update’s Horizon OS enhancements, calendar app, expanded Travel Mode, improved PC connectivity, Volume Mixer, and video-sharing capabilities transform Quest headsets into more than gaming devices—they become tools for work, productivity, entertainment, and social connection.

By introducing these updates, Meta continues to bridge the gap between immersive virtual reality and everyday productivity, allowing users to stay connected, entertained, and efficient in one seamless environment.

Whether you are commuting, working remotely, or enjoying VR entertainment, Quest v71 ensures a smoother, more interactive, and highly customizable VR experience for all users.