Microsoft Announces Volumetric Apps Coming to Meta Quest

Microsoft is expanding its virtual reality (VR) offerings by introducing Volumetric Apps on the Meta Quest platform. This new mixed reality experience will allow developers to migrate their existing apps into a 3D space.

With the launch of the new development API, developers can sign up to preview and utilize the Volumetric Apps API. Microsoft claims that their example app, Creo, was successfully transformed into a Volumetric App in just one day using the new API.

While Microsoft ended support for its Windows Mixed Reality VR platform in 2023, the company remains committed to investing in other VR platforms. The introduction of Volumetric Apps is seen as Microsoft’s response to Apple’s Spatial apps, providing a spatial environment for customers using Meta Quest headsets on the Windows platform.

During a brief demonstration at Build 2024, Microsoft showcased Creo, a CAD-based engineering software, in a 3D space. The user was seen manipulating and customizing an Xbox controller within the virtual environment.

Volumetric Apps will soon be available on the Meta Quest platform, potentially strengthening Microsoft’s partnership with Meta and offering Quest-exclusive features for running Windows. Last year, Microsoft announced that Meta Quest 3 users would be able to access Windows 11 from their headsets, although specific details have yet to be revealed. It is expected that Meta’s own Quest Link software will be utilized to enable wireless or USB-C connectivity to PCs.

In addition to Volumetric Apps, Meta Quest owners can already stream Xbox Game Pass and use Microsoft Office on their headsets. Furthermore, there are rumors of a limited edition Xbox-branded Meta Quest headset being released later this year.

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Facts:
1. Volumetric Apps on the Meta Quest platform allow developers to migrate existing apps into a 3D space.
2. Microsoft introduced a new development API for Volumetric Apps.
3. Microsoft claims their example app, Creo, was successfully transformed into a Volumetric App in just one day.
4. Microsoft ended support for its Windows Mixed Reality VR platform in 2023 but remains committed to investing in other VR platforms.
5. Volumetric Apps is seen as Microsoft’s response to Apple’s Spatial apps.
6. Volumetric Apps offer a spatial environment for customers using Meta Quest headsets on the Windows platform.
7. Microsoft showcased the CAD-based engineering software, Creo, as an example of a Volumetric App during a demonstration at Build 2024.
8. Volumetric Apps will soon be available on the Meta Quest platform, potentially strengthening Microsoft’s partnership with Meta.
9. Microsoft announced that Meta Quest 3 users would be able to access Windows 11 from their headsets, although specific details are yet to be revealed.
10. Meta’s Quest Link software is expected to be utilized for wireless or USB-C connectivity to PCs.
11. Meta Quest owners can already stream Xbox Game Pass and use Microsoft Office on their headsets.
12. Rumors suggest a limited edition Xbox-branded Meta Quest headset may be released later this year.

Key questions and answers:
1. What are Volumetric Apps?
– Volumetric Apps allow developers to migrate existing apps into a 3D space on the Meta Quest platform.

2. How long does it take to transform an app into a Volumetric App using Microsoft’s new API?
– Microsoft claims their example app, Creo, was transformed into a Volumetric App in just one day using the new API.

3. Why did Microsoft end support for its Windows Mixed Reality VR platform?
– Microsoft ended support for its Windows Mixed Reality VR platform in 2023, but the company remains committed to investing in other VR platforms.

4. What is the purpose of Volumetric Apps in response to Apple’s Spatial apps?
– Volumetric Apps provide a spatial environment for customers using Meta Quest headsets on the Windows platform, similar to Apple’s Spatial apps.

Advantages:
– Volumetric Apps offer a new mixed reality experience on the Meta Quest platform.
– Developers can utilize the new development API to transform their existing apps into Volumetric Apps.
– Microsoft’s investment in VR platforms showcases their commitment to the virtual reality market.

Disadvantages:
– Specific details about accessing Windows 11 from Meta Quest 3 headsets are yet to be revealed.
– Limited information about the compatibility and features of Volumetric Apps on Meta Quest is available.

Suggested related links:
– Android Central (for the latest news on Android)