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Get the latest Quest 3 updates early: Here's how to enable Meta's Public Test Feed

Feb, 14, 2024 Hi-network.com
zdnet

floating in the middle of a virtual environment

Screenshot by David Gewirtz

Many OS vendors offer early public previews of operating system releases. Microsoft does it. Apple does it. And Meta does it for the Quest operating system.

Also: Meta Quest headsets now support spatial video playback

This became an issue for me when I tried to preview Apple spatial videos on myQuest 3 . covered the exciting news that the Quest now has spatial playback, but Meta makes this capability available only in the v62 build of the headset's code.

Theoretically, that build was supposed to roll out to users during the week of February 7. But the week passed and my headset never updated. I did some research and found out that Meta has a Public Test Feed (PTF) for its code. It's easy enough to put yourself on that release track. I did so, hoping I might get the release -- which I did.

Also: Who's afraid of VR? I was - until I tried Meta Quest 3

First, a warning: Whenever you're running early or test code,baaaaadthings can happen. You are taking a chance with your device. Are we clear? Good. Now, let's hack this beast.

How to enable the Public Test Feed for Quest 3 

Check your current OS version

The first thing to do is hop into your headset and check your OS version. To do this, open the main Quest 3 dashboard, go into Settings, then the System block, and choose Software Update.

Also: Meta Quest headsets now support spatial video playback - ahead of Vision Pro launch

This image sort of shows that. I'm still struggling to capture high-quality screenshots from the Quest 3. I'm sure I'll get there, but that's a project for another day.

original-os
Screenshot by David Gewirtz

In any case, the image shows that the Quest 3 was running OS v60 at the time.

Enable the Public Test Feed

Next, jump over to the Meta app on your phone. Start by tapping on Headset Settings:


settings.png
Screenshot by David Gewirtz

Next, tap Advanced Settings:

headset-settings.png
Screenshot by David Gewirtz

Now, look for the Public Test Channel button, and toggle it on.

channel.png
Screenshot by David Gewirtz

Finally, confirm that you like to walk on the wild side. You do, don't you?

wild-side.png
Screenshot by David Gewirtz

Install update on the headset

And there you go. If you hop back into your headset, you should see the prompt to install the new OS in the Software Update section. If not, you may need to reboot first.


update
Screenshot by David Gewirtz

Now, go ahead and tell it to update.

That's it, you're all set. You can keep the PTF option on if you like, or turn it back off until you're ready to get a new preview build.

Also: Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3: How to decide which one is right for you

So, what do you plan to do? Do you have a Quest 3? Are you going to try spatial videos? Do you think you're going to enable the test channel? Let us know in the comments below.


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