Meta has introduced a new beta feature for Quest Avatars in Quest Home, giving them legs. This update was announced by community manager Ryanality in the Meta Community forums, stating that the Public Test Channel (PTC) for Quest v57 would be rolling out soon for Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2. However, specific details about the new features were not provided at the time.
Yesterday, a forum user named TomCgcmfc reported that their avatar now had legs in Quest Home. This news sparked discussions among users in the Meta Community forum, with some reporting updated menus that enable hand tracking for positioning and usage without the need for direct manipulation. Additionally, a user on Reddit claimed to have seen improvements in both hand tracking and auto-switching between controllers and hands. There were also references to new settings, such as an extended battery mode, found in the code by NyaVR on X.
It is worth noting that the addition of legs to Quest Avatars has been a highly requested feature for over 10 months. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg initially announced the plan to introduce legs during Meta Connect. He acknowledged that tracking legs with the headset’s cameras could be challenging and mentioned the company’s intention to use an AI model for leg movement. Interestingly, the legs shown in the Connect keynote last year may have actually been prerecorded motion capture, further highlighting the complexity of the task.
The introduction of legs to Quest Avatars is a significant development for Meta’s virtual reality platform. By giving avatars legs, Meta is aiming to enhance the overall immersive experience for users. Avatars with legs can better mimic natural human movements, making interactions in the virtual world feel more realistic. This update has the potential to revolutionize social interactions within Meta’s platform, enabling users to engage with others in a more lifelike manner.
In addition to the introduction of legs, the PTC v57 update brings other improvements to the Meta Quest system. The updated menus that allow hand tracking offer more intuitive control options, enabling users to interact with the system using natural hand movements rather than relying solely on controllers. This enhancement enhances the overall usability of the Quest system and provides a more seamless and immersive user experience.
Furthermore, the reported improvements in hand tracking and the ability to auto-switch between controllers and hands demonstrate Meta’s commitment to refining and optimizing user interactions within their VR platform. The enhanced hand tracking capabilities enable users to navigate and manipulate virtual objects with greater precision and responsiveness. The ability to seamlessly switch between controllers and hands adds flexibility to the user experience, allowing users to use the input method that suits their preferences and needs at any given moment.
The discovery of new settings, such as the extended battery mode, indicates Meta’s continuous efforts to improve the practicality and usability of their devices. The extended battery mode could potentially provide users with an extended battery life, allowing for longer and uninterrupted VR experiences. This is a valuable feature for users who engage in prolonged VR sessions or who are using the device in situations where charging may not be readily available.
In conclusion, the introduction of legs to Quest Avatars in Quest Home is an exciting development for Meta’s virtual reality platform. This update, along with various improvements to hand tracking and user interactions, demonstrates Meta’s commitment to enhancing the overall user experience. By incorporating more natural and intuitive controls, users can engage with the virtual world in a more immersive and lifelike manner. These advancements have the potential to redefine social interactions and further establish Meta as a leading player in the VR industry.
