Enhancements to Messenger on Horizon OS
In a significant advancement for mixed reality communication, users can now share their first-person perspective during video calls on Messenger via Quest headsets. This feature aligns with a growing trend among mixed reality devices and smart glasses, where sharing one’s view has become a standard offering. For instance, Apple Vision Pro users can share their perspective during FaceTime calls, while owners of Ray-Ban Meta glasses enjoy similar capabilities in WhatsApp and Messenger calls.
With the latest update, Messenger on Horizon OS has transitioned to a landscape format and is now resizable, moving away from the previous portrait-only smartphone interface. This evolution enhances the user experience, allowing for a more immersive interaction during calls.
Participants in a call can see exactly what the host sees, including both passthrough visuals and virtual content, such as 2D windows and VR games. However, it’s important to note that any DRM-protected content, like Netflix, will not be visible during these sessions. While the feature is exciting, it does come with limitations; users are unable to take screenshots or videos while sharing their view, nor can they cast the headset’s display to a TV or phone, which means that capturing the experience in action remains elusive.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Get Visual AI, Video Calling, New Style
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses now have a third style option, first-person view sharing in WhatsApp and Messenger calls, and look-and-ask visual AI in the US and Canada.
In parallel developments, Meta is reportedly working on a feature that would allow users to make and join video calls as their Meta Avatar from Quest headsets. This capability would further enhance the immersive experience, although it remains to be seen when it will be available to the public. A Meta executive hinted at this feature over a year ago, and anticipation is building as Meta Connect approaches, scheduled for September 25-26, where updates may be unveiled.
