Virtual reality (VR) enthusiasts are in for a surprise as VRChat and Meta announce the discontinuation of support for the original Quest VR headset model. This move comes as Meta drops support for the device’s software development kit (SDK), which could potentially make applications unstable.
In preparation for the discontinuation of support, VRChat will cancel support for the legacy device on June 30, 2023. According to the VRChat team, they cannot ensure the secure facilitation of an optimized platform or provide customer assistance.
This announcement is a blow to VR enthusiasts who are still using the original Quest model. However, VRChat has advised users that they can still use the Quest 1 with Quest Link, Virtual Desktop, ALVR, or other tethering methods. Nevertheless, VRChat has warned that PCVR streaming applications for the original Quest may face optimization issues.
This announcement follows the closure of AltSpace VR, another popular Metaverse platform that Microsoft shut down earlier this year. With VRChat and AltSpace VR out of the picture, Meta’s Metaverse platform, Horizon, has lost several users.
On March 5, 2023, Meta officially announced the discontinuation of support for the Quest 1 device to focus on new Quest 2 and Pro variants. This announcement came amid rumors of a consumer-grade Quest 3 headset.
Meta has noted that it remains “committed to supporting the community” of Quest 1 users. The Menlo Park-based company will continue to support the original Meta Quest device through critical bug fixes and security patches until 2024.
However, Meta has terminated Meta Quest 1 user access to Horizon, including stopping features such as creating parties, inviting others to a Home immersive environment, and visiting someone else’s Home. Users can still access their purchased VR applications, but they will not be able to access new content on Horizon.
Meta’s move to drop support for the original Quest model highlights the company’s efforts to shift resources and fans towards its more recent Quest 2 and Pro portfolio. The Quest Pro is an MR headset that Meta released in October 2022.
The Quest Pro is designed to change the future of work, with features such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ processor, pancake optics, hand/face/eye-tracking, stylus Quest Pro controllers, TruTouch haptics, 75 percent greater contrast than Quest 2, and a movement SDK to support full-motion avatars. Meta is currently pricing the device at £1,499.
The Quest 2 is still one of the most popular VR headsets, released in October 2020, and it offers several features, including a high-resolution display, a comfortable design, and a wide range of games and immersive services. The device is also a leading choice for developers of enterprise-grade immersive applications.
In conclusion, VRChat and Meta dropping support for the original Quest model means users will have to upgrade to Quest 2 or Pro to access immersive experiences fully. While this may be a disappointment to some, it highlights the continued evolution of VR technology, with more advanced devices being released regularly.