Meta Quest v71 brings design refresh: Is it worth the hype?

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Synopsis

Meta Quest v71 promises to elevate the VR experience with a fresh interface, new design, AI-driven facial expressions, surround sound, smoother passthrough, and more.

Key takeaways

• Redesigned interface: Horizon OS’s control bar, colors, and settings are overhauled in Light and Dark Modes.
• AI-generated expressions: The new model uses only microphone input to produce realistic facial expressions.
• Enhanced passthrough: Smoother mixed reality with aligned frame rates.
• Surround sound support: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital bring richer audio to Meta Browser content.

Interface overhaul for Horizon OS

The Quest v71 update introduces a user-friendly interface across Horizon OS.

Changes to panel layouts, control bars, and color schemes for both Light and Dark Modes make the interface more intuitive and comfortable for users. 

The updated Settings interface now uses a side-tab layout similar to iPadOS and Android, making it more intuitive. 

Meta says it’s also made the search function more precise, allowing users to “find exactly what you were looking for.”

AI-driven expressions from audio input

Meta Quest v71 introduces a new AI feature called Audio to Expression, an on-device model that “derives compelling facial motion and lip sync signals” from microphone input alone. 

It translates voice input into estimated facial expressions—covering upper cheeks, eyelids, and eyebrows—without face-tracking hardware. 

Meta claims Audio to Expression “actually uses less CPU than Oculus Lipsync,” the company’s previous SDK for lip sync.

Smoother passthrough for mixed reality

Meta announced smoother passthrough capabilities, achieved by “aligning camera frame rates with display frame rates” to create a more seamless mixed reality view. 

This is the third major passthrough update since Quest 3’s launch, following improvements to exposure and dynamic range in v64 and reduced warping in v66.

Travel mode expands to trains

As previously hinted at Connect, Travel Mode now supports train journeys. 

Initially designed for airplanes, its latest version is now compatible with train travel, making VR experiences more accessible on the go. 

Although some users have already found it working on trains, this official support should increase reliability.

Dolby Atmos & Dolby Digital surround sound

Quest v71 introduces Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1 surround sound capabilities, creating a more immersive soundscape that adjusts with headset movement, enhancing the engagement of the VR experience. 

Meta quotes that this audio feature will first be available for “content on select websites in Browser” and plans to “expand to other service providers soon.”

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New calendar app for better scheduling

The v71 update brings a built-in Calendar app to Horizon OS, with integrations for Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook Calendar, as well as Horizon Worlds events and Horizon Workrooms meetings. 

This addition allows users to manage events and reminders directly from their headsets.

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Improved Scene Mesh scanning

Scene Mesh scanning has been updated. Users can refine and build on previously saved room meshes without rescanning from scratch, giving them more control and power over their VR environment. 

Meta also added a preview feature, which lets users see a miniature 3D model of each saved room.

Volume Mixer for separate audio controls

The new Volume Mixer lets users adjust the volume of calls separately from the app and media audio within Quick Settings. 

This feature improves the experience during social VR interactions, where call volume and game audio may need distinct settings.

In-headset controller & stylus pairing

Previously, pairing new Touch controllers or a Logitech stylus required the Meta Quest mobile app. 

With v71, pairing can be done directly within the headset, simplifying device setup. 

Meta had initially planned this feature for v68, highlighting an ongoing challenge with delayed feature rollouts.

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App permissions indicator enhances privacy

A new “real-time permissions indicator” on the Horizon OS menu bar shows which features are currently accessed by apps, enhancing user privacy. 

This indicator is already a standard on platforms like iPhone and Android and provides an additional layer of security.

Quest v71 will roll out gradually over the coming weeks, adding these features and more to enhance Horizon OS and overall VR experiences.

Source: UPLOAD