Meta will begin rolling out its AI assistant, known as Meta AI, for Quest headsets in August 2024. This initiative is part of Meta's effort to enhance the user experience in its virtual reality (VR) ecosystem.
The rollout will initially be limited to users in the United States and Canada, allowing them to access the assistant in an experimental mode. This phase is designed for testing, which means that not all features will be fully functional for users as Meta gathers feedback for further improvements.
As part of this integration, users will need to navigate to the settings menu on their Quest headsets to access Meta AI. Once there, they can opt into the experimental features that promise to transform how users interact with their devices in VR.
Key Features
One of the key capabilities of Meta AI is its ability to answer questions in real time. Users can inquire about a range of topics, from historical facts to personal advice, and receive immediate responses.
Additionally, the introduction of hands-free controls will set a new standard for user interaction. Users will be able to issue voice commands to navigate their VR experience without needing to use controllers.
Another highlight is the inclusion of Meta AI with Vision capabilities. This feature allows the headset's cameras to detect physical objects and provide contextual answers. For instance, a user might ask the assistant for information about an object in their environment, and Meta AI will respond accordingly.
However, during the initial launch in experimental mode, certain limitations exist, particularly with the older Quest hardware, such as the Quest 2.
The Transition from Voice Commands
With the rollout of Meta AI, the existing Voice Commands feature in Quest headsets will be replaced.
While removing the Voice Commands may raise concerns among users accustomed to this feature, Meta has indicated that the integration of Meta AI aims to improve the overall user experience.
Details regarding the final phase-out of Voice Commands have not yet been clarified, but users can expect the current technology to remain accessible until they opt into the AI model.