During today's Microsoft Ignite 2024 event, the company announced that Windows 11 is coming to the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S VR headsets. The company said it's bringing the "full capabilities" of the operating system to the headsets.
This means that you can access Windows via a local PC or a cloud version of Windows (using Windows 365) while using a Quest headset. Microsoft claims that it will take "seconds" to connect.
During the conference, Microsoft said using Windows on a Meta Quest is like a "private, high-quality, large, multi-monitor workstation." You can see a sample of that in the teaser video Microsoft released.
Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest - YouTube
Apps will be supported to show up in the headset via a program Microsoft dubs Volumetric Apps. Back in May, Microsoft showed off how these apps would work during Build 2024. A demo from the time shows a person reviewing a 3D diagram of an Xbox controller.
The company announced that developers can sign up to access the API that enables them to build plug-ins for new and existing 3D Windows apps.
Meta has been aggressively promoting the open-source capabilities of its operating system and devices. And Microsoft teased the Meta partnership in May.
Previously, as far back as 2022, the Meta Quest Pro began supporting Xbox Cloud gaming, which essentially "put an Xbox on your face." Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hinted at an Xbox-themed Meta Quest, although it's not clear when that device will actually debut.
Windows on Quest will be available starting in December as part of a public preview.
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