The Oculus Quest is getting three new features in future updates. A ‘lights out’ rotation-only tracking mode, simultaneous keyboard/selection input from both controllers, and a 60Hz mode for video content. That’s according to CTO John Carmack on Twitter.
Carmack also stated that there are “more exciting things in the works, but we aren’t ready to announce them“.
‘Lights Out’ 3DoF Mode
The Oculus Quest uses its four onboard cameras to track your position in the room. If there’s not enough light and they can’t see the room, you’ll see a black screen and the software will tell you to turn on a light.
Some users however requested to be able to use their Quest with rotation-only (3DoF) tracking in the dark. This could be for watching a movie in bed while someone else sleeps.
This will make the Quest operate almost like an Oculus Go. The controllers emit infrared light so it’s not clear whether they will fall back to 6DoF too or continue to be tracked.
Simultaneous Controller Input
Currently in the Oculus Quest menu and system apps, one Touch controller at a time emits a selection laser. Pressing the trigger on the other controller will toggle the laser to it instead.
A future update will make both Touch controllers emit selection lasers at the same time. Carmack claims this will help “a lot” when using the virtual keyboard.
60Hz Mode
Most video content, be it regular or 360°, was filmed at either 30 or 60 frames per second. The Quest’s display is currently locked at 72Hz. This means that there is a noticeable judder when playing videos because there is not a regular interval between frames.
A future update will let developers toggle the display to 60Hz, however the default will still be 72Hz. This is the opposite solution to the Oculus Go, where the default is 60Hz with an optional 72Hz mode.
