Meta starts rolling out its v62 software update for Meta Quest headsets, adding support for playing Apple's spatial videos, PS4 and PS5 controllers, and more
CNETScott Stein
Context & Ripple Effects
Quest software releases had already been expanding how users interact with the headset, from Direct Touch controls to lower-latency hand tracking. v62 broadens that strategy beyond native input by adding familiar console-controller support and access to a media format associated with Apple.
The update matters because it makes Quest more accommodating of content and peripherals that originate outside Meta’s own ecosystem. That interoperability complements the Quest 3’s push toward a more capable mixed-reality device.
First-order effects
Quest users gain native playback support for Apple spatial videos and can use PS4 and PS5 controllers with supported Quest experiences.
Meta expands the headset’s practical compatibility without requiring users to change hardware, while Apple spatial-video owners receive another viewing destination.
Second-order effects
Controller support lowers a friction point for developers and users accustomed to console-style controls, making cross-platform interaction conventions more useful on Quest.
The move reinforces Meta’s incentive to keep adding external-device pathways; later coverage of a video-input app for Quest headsets shows that compatibility extending beyond headset-native content.
Third-order effects
If Meta continues to prioritize outside formats and peripherals, Quest could compete less as a closed VR platform and more as a general-purpose spatial-computing endpoint.
That approach may increase pressure on headset makers to differentiate through interoperability and software support, rather than relying solely on proprietary content ecosystems.
The trend: Consumer headsets are evolving toward interoperable spatial-computing devices that accommodate existing media libraries, controllers, and external hardware.
We're making it easier to upload and watch spatial videos taken from cameras like iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max to your Quest headset (3, Pro, 2), rolling out soon with v62. Also making sample spatial videos available for people to check out in headset, including a version of this vi…
Zuckerberg and @Meta feeling intense heat (@Apple will never mention a Meta product on their communications, yet Meta has no choice but to refer to Apple's) https://www.meta.com/... [image]
“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, VISION PRO IS SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN QUEST, THEY'RE NOT EVEN COMPETING AT ALL” META: “Hey, so, in the next Quest update you'll be able to play spatial videos captured on iPhone 15 Pro.” That, in fact, is what I'm talking about.
I'm kinda shocked how quickly Meta released the iPhone 15 Pro spatial videos support for Quest devices 😅 What other features do you think they will rush to copy and release?
@benz145 Meta is going to quickly fix a lot of shit from the pressure from Apple's release. Also way easier to compete when you can finally see your competitors work, and not just them your work. The ecosystem issue is their biggest challenge they can't trivially copy, well tha…
@SadlyItsBradley @boztank Android (at least through MediaCodec) can't decode MV-HEVC right now. Hopefully an updated version of Android will support it.
Meta's Quest headsets add spatial video and pinch controls to compete with Vision Pro. I'm kinda looking forward to Meta and Apple duking it out over the future of VR https://www.theverge.com/...
Meta Quest v62 Update: Spatial (*cough* stereoscopic) Video Playback, Gamepad Support for Meta Quest Browser, and More https://www.meta.com/... [image]