The Meta Quest family first began in 2019 with the original Oculus Quest. That was quickly superseded 18 months later with the Meta Quest 2. While the original headset has been discontinued seeing a raft of titles drop support, its successor continues to go from strength to strength. Even with the recent Quest 3 announcement delivering a next-gen headset later in 2023, the Quest 2 has a huge amount going for it, with many likely not taking full advantage. So here are a few hints and tips to maximise those Meta Quest features.
Where to start looking
Before an official roll-out, Meta will give users a chance to test in-development options in the Experimental Features area of the settings menu. Open up Settings using the Quick Menu bar, and you’ll find Experimental Features listed at the bottom. However, there are even more options to play about within the general menu, as a lot of the experimental features have been officially released over the years.
Additionally, if you really like to tinker with new VR tech, you can sign up for Meta Public Test Channel (PTC). This gives you even earlier access to new features, bugs and all. In the Meta Quest mobile app go to Menu>Devices>Headset Settings>Advanced Settings>Public Test Channel (toggle).
Hand tracking
A major feature of the Quest platform is its hand tracking. This may already be activated on your headset but if it is not go to Quick Settings>Tracking>Movement Tracking to toggle the option on. This will allow you to use your hands in games and apps that’ll allow it.
Meta’s most recent v56 software update further improves the hand-tracking feature. And don’t forget to look for Move Fast on Quest 2, a new rhythm-action demo app built to showcase the speed and accuracy of Meta’s updated feature.
There’s also an Auto-switch from controllers to hands option worth activating. As the name indicates, put your controllers down midway through and hand tracking will automatically turn on.
Direct Touch
Found inside Experiment Features, Direct Touch changes all the menu panels so they react like a touch screen. Using either controllers or your hands, you can now tap on items or scroll through pages effortlessly.
Room setup
If you love Quest’s mixed reality functionality then you’ll want to activate the Room Setup. Another experimental feature, this will allow you to map out walls as well as placing sofas and beds. This will allow mixed-reality games and apps to utilize the space in new and immersive ways.
Multi-window
Why have one window open when you can multitask with three? Easy to activate, go to Quick Settings>Multi-window (the grey button under Quest Link) and you’ll now be able to have the store open, a browser window and much more.
Connect more
Did you know you can connect keyboards and mice to your Quest? That’s right you can, go to Quick Settings>Devices to add Bluetooth keyboards and mice. Only certain keyboards like the Logitech K830 will work.
Accessibility
The Quest platform has a number of different accessibility options if you need them. From text resizing, colour correction and text-to-speech options to height adjustment, it’s worth taking a look to make your VR experience as comfortable as possible.
Instant pass-through
A feature that’s been available for a while but easily missed is instant pass-through. Tapping the side of the headset twice allows you to see your surroundings. Great if you need to pop your controllers down for a moment.
After you’ve learnt how to maximise those Meta Quest features, you might want to look at some of our other guides.
- How to Combat Motion Sickness in VR
- How to Watch Netflix in VR
- How to Record Gameplay on Quest 2
- How to Connect Quest 2 to PC
- How to Sideload on Quest 2 With SideQuest
- How to Play App Lab Games on Quest 2
- How to Cast Quest 2 to a TV