Microsoft announced Windows Volumetric Apps, a new API for extending 3D elements of PC applications streamed to Meta Quest into 3D space.
"We're deepening our partnership with Meta to make Windows a first-class experience on Quest devices. And Windows can take advantage of Quest's unique capabilities to extend Windows apps into 3D space."
The new API will act as an extension to Windows applications when streamed to Meta Quest via Microsoft's upcoming Windows app for Quest, which will let you access either a physical PC on your local network or a Windows 365 cloud PC on virtual monitors in your Meta Quest headset.
Windows 365 coming to Quest was first announced at Meta Connect 2022, when Meta and Microsoft announced a long-term strategic partnership in XR.
So far that partnership has brought Xbox Cloud Gaming to Quest headsets, as well as progressive web apps for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The two companies are also working on a limited-edition Quest 3 with Xbox branded colors and an Xbox gamepad included in the box.
Meanwhile, Microsoft announced late last year it's deprecating its own PC-native Windows Mixed Reality platform, with the software no longer available to download from November 2026.
Henry Stockdale
Developers interested in adding volumetric capabilities to their Windows applications can sign up for access to the Volumetric API.
