The Oculus Quest 2 is getting the hand-tracking update Ive been waiting for

Date:
Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:19:36 +0000

Description:
The Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro's latest PTC update includes an improvement to hand-tracking I can't wait to use.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Hand-tracking on the Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro is set to get a huge upgrade in the next update, with the new Direct Touch feature making it much easier to navigate menus and type using the virtual keyboard.

I love the idea of hand-tracking on the Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro being able to ditch your headsets controllers and use your hands to interact with the VR experience makes your interactions feel more natural. But in practice, its a lot more clunky than it should be.

Once youre in a game or app its usually fine, but getting there by navigating the Quest 2 and Quest Pros menus with their pinch and point controls is a chore. This is why Im both nervous and excited to try out the rumored Apple
VR headset as its reportedly completely controller-less .

The Quests hand-tracking issues could soon be a thing of the past, however,
as the Public Test Channel v.50 update has introduced the Direct Touch feature, which will allow you to touch and swipe in menus as if you were
using a smartphone.

As shown in a video posted on Reddit , turning on Direct Touch brings the Quest headsets menus closer to the user, and youre able to interact with the screen just by tapping on it. Whats more, rather than having to point at and click letters on the Quests virtual keyboard youre able to type with your fingers as someone who's tried to write whole articles in VR but given up after a few paragraphs, this is a serious upgrade over the exceptionally tedious typing method we had before.

For now, Direct Touch is exclusive to Public Test Channel users; however, given that the feature looks ready to ship, we expect it wont be too long before the v.50 update gets a full release for all Quest users. Say goodbye
to the Quest 2's controllers (Image credit: Future) How to join the Quest PTC

If you want to join Metas Quest Public Test Channel so that you can try updates like Direct Touch before everyone else, heres what you have to do. Just note that you probably wont be able to join unless you get lucky. Open the Meta Quest mobile app Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner of the screen Tap Devices in the menu that appears it should be near the middle of your phone screen Connect to your VR headset then open Headset Settings this option is near the bottom of the screen. Select Advanced Settings, then tap the toggle next to Public Test Channel

If you dont see a toggle next to Public Test Channel, that's because, unfortunately, the program has a limited number of users and no waiting list, so if the maximum number of people are signed up to it you wont be able to join, and you cant put your name down on a waiting list. If youre desperate
to join, youll just have to watch the Advanced Settings page like a hawk, and hope a spot becomes available.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/the-oculus-quest-2-is-getting-the-hand-tracking -update-ive-been-waiting-for


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