The latest update adds in the ability to use your Meta headset whilst lying down – but only for Quest 2 and Quest Pro.
The latest update for Meta’s line of Quest VR headsets has been released. Update v63 has added in a number of features and bugfixes, including a new payment system called Quest Cash. To many users, however, the most significant part of the update is that it restores the ability to use the Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro headsets whilst lying down.
Allowing users to access apps whilst in a prone position poses some significant challenges for developers. Some apps and games set the horizon and floor level based on where the user is standing or sitting. Trying to do this when the user is lying down can cause all sorts of unusual effects, as the system becomes confused about where to place virtual objects and environments.
The technical challenge of lying down
Some apps like VRChat allow the user to manually adjust the horizon to suit their position, allowing the app to be used when lying down. There are even some apps that have been designed to be used only when lying down. Meta’s solution involves adjusting the horizon points automatically, which can potentially open up new avenues of use for the headset.
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For example, people recovering from illness or injury might appreciate the ability to get away from it all for a while, even virtually. Research has previously shown that using VR as ‘distraction therapy’ can have a positive effect.
It is unknown why the feature has not been implemented on the Meta Quest 3, or indeed why it was originally removed in the v53 update. Quest 3 users are hoping that the next update will include the feature for them as well.
