Meta Introduces New Navigator and 3D Instagram Photos on Quest
Meta has announced a new test in Quest’s latest Horizon OS release (v77) that brings significant changes to the platform’s UI. The dock-based UI has been replaced with a new launcher overlay, providing users with a fresh experience. Additionally, some users will now have the opportunity to see 3D Instagram photos in their Quest feed.
First unveiled at Connect 2024, Meta is introducing Navigator to Quest. Navigator acts as a centralized hub for apps, quick actions, and system functions, making it easier for users to navigate through their VR experiences.
According to Meta, Navigator allows users to access recently used applications and pin up to 10 items in their library for quick access and task resumption. This feature aims to enhance multitasking capabilities within the headset and facilitate seamless connections with people and content.
The new UI of Navigator is designed to be familiar to smartphone users, offering a more traditional layout for easy navigation. YouTuber ‘The Construct’ has provided a tutorial video and hands-on impressions of Navigator, showcasing its functionality.
Meta emphasizes that Navigator has been developed based on their extensive experience in spatial computing, ensuring an unobtrusive and intuitive user interface. The feature will be gradually rolled out to users on the Public Test Channel (PTC) v77 in the coming months.
In addition to Navigator, Meta is testing 3D Instagram photos on Quest. Users on PTC v77 may experience their existing 2D photos being transformed into immersive 3D format using Meta’s AI. This initiative is part of Meta’s vision to bring more social and entertainment experiences into a 3D future.
Note: To join Quest’s Public Test Channel (PTC), users can use the Meta Horizon app on their phone and navigate to the ‘Devices’ section. Select the Quest headset, go to ‘Headset settings’, then ‘Advanced Settings’, and toggle on ‘Public Test Channel’.
