Skip to main content

Your Quest 3 just got so much better — for free

First Encounter is the perfect introduction to mixed reality on Quest 3.
First Encounter is the perfect introduction to mixed reality on the Quest 3. Meta

The Quest 3 already boasted the best mixed reality experience of any VR headset other than the Apple Vision Pro. Now, as part of the v64 update, the Quest 3’s passthrough quality is about to get even better, with less graininess in lower light, more detail, and better handling of phone screens.

The difference is quite noticeable. Previously, you had to lower your phone’s brightness or get very close to make it readable. After the latest upgrade, the passthrough camera automatically adjusts so you don’t have to squint at a blown-out screen. For a complete look at the Quest 3 passthrough upgrade, check out Meta’s YouTube video below.

v63 vs. v64 Passthrough Comparison

In addition, X user Manu posted a brief comparison video on X, showing both the v63 and v64 passthrough while using a phone. You might notice an overall darkening of the view, but the better picture quality is worth that change.

Recommended Videos

🆚 Esta es la diferencia entre la actualización de Meta v63 y v64:

✅ La mejora del passthrough en condiciones de baja luz es muy sustancial ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zhih9S5DBN

— Manu ᯅ (@nextmanu_) April 9, 2024

While all recent Meta headsets will get the update, the most notable upgrades are for Meta’s newest VR headset. Along with an improved mixed reality view, Quest 3 owners get lying down mode and USB mic support. Both options must be enabled in Settings in the Experimental section.

The Meta Quest 2 and Pro acquired lying down mode in v63. It’s just what it sounds like. When enabled, you can press and hold the Oculus button on the right controller to reset the viewpoint at any angle, even when reclining, resting on your back, or lying on your side.

Meta Quest 3 v64 update adds new Experimental Settings.
The Meta Quest 3 v64 update adds new Experimental Settings. Meta

A couple of the updates apply to all recent Meta headsets. You can start casting your Quest’s screen to another device, then keep casting after you remove your headset, which is a nice feature for social media. Also, there’s an easier way to join friends in Horizon Worlds. In the People app, you can see anyone with an active status and click to join immediately.

The v64 update is rolling out now to Meta Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro devices, but it could take a few weeks before it reaches everyone.

Alan Truly
Alan Truly is a Writer at Digital Trends, covering computers, laptops, hardware, software, and accessories that stand out as…
AI just came to VR in a big way
Alan Truly wears a Meta Quest 3 while laying down with a Meta AI prompt overlaid.

Meta just announced a huge update to its AI and it's coming soon to the Meta Quest platform, home to some of the best VR headsets you can buy. In the next few weeks, you'll soon have access to a smart voice assistant anytime you wear your Quest 3, Quest Pro, or Quest 2.

You can see some examples of how Meta AI works on the Quest 3 in the video below. Note that Meta AI can use the Quest 3's and Quest Pro's mixed reality mode to see real-world objects and answer your questions. The Quest 2's black-and-white passthrough camera isn't supported for visual input.

Read more
The future of the Meta Quest headsets just leaked out
Mark Zuckerberg wearing a prototype VR headset.

The popular Quest 3 headset came out just last year, but according to a new leak, the Quest 4 and second-generation Quest Pro are also on Meta's roadmap.

The recently leaked roadmap comes from a report posted by The Information, which details the timeline Meta is aiming to hit with the Quest 4 and Quest Pro 2. Unnamed sources inside Meta claim there will be two variants of the Quest 4, presumably a standard and premium model, codenamed Pismo Low and Pismo High. Since we have solid data on the rumored Quest 3S, the lower-cost model could end up being the Quest 4S. Regardless, both variants of the Quest 4 are expected to launch in 2026.

Read more
The Vision Pro still has a chance at success
Apple Vision Pro

There's no doubt that the Vision Pro hasn't exactly been a bestseller. A new report from market analysts indicates that fewer than 500,000 Vision Pro headsets will be sold by the end of the year.

However, the report also offers some good news for the future of the platform. According to Bloomberg, citing data from market analyst IDC, Apple is planning a cheaper version of the Vision Pro in 2025, and that could be the company's ticket to a much more popular device, predicting that it could double the sales of the Vision Pro next year.

Read more