Oculus Quest 2 (or should we say Meta Quest 2) is easily one of the best VR headsets out there – except if you want to record video.
But that's about to change, according to a Meta project manager on Twitter (opens in new tab).
Replying to a comment about creators lacking a good way of recording and streaming content from the headset (a pretty big deal on a gaming device), Quest 2 users will only have to wait until April or May at the latest.
At present, those looking to stream the best VR games are limited to 1:1 resolution (ideal for mobile, less so for Twitch) and 30fps.
Our team can’t wait to put it in all your hands too! Feedback has been really positive from the creators who’ve seen designs. We’re shooting for a May public launch (accounting for privacy/security reviews/design/code iterations etc) but chances are high for April. pic.twitter.com/belgOTxQNxMarch 21, 2022
^^ Maybe one day I’ll put together a video on how products are made in the company + different factors that go into timing—e.g. platform priorities/ getting leadership buy-in/execution investments/launch X factors etc…but until then…the speculations are entertaining. 🍿🥤 lolMarch 21, 2022
While that might seem like a long wait, it's nice to know that Meta is seriously considering the features and accepting feedback from Quest users.
Of course, the exact features – and how useful they'll be – haven't been disclosed, but fingers crossed for any budding VR streamers.
The next phase of streaming
If we accept for a moment that VR is going to his the mainstream, then being able to stream and record inside the games is pretty essential.
As outlined (opens in new tab) by TechRadar, the process for recording in 16:9 on the Quest 2 is painful to say the least. Link the Quest 2 to a PC, use a third-party app, pray...
It's not ideal and seems like a major oversight for Meta, given their huge push for the "metaverse" and VR in general. There might be good technical reasons (eg, the Quest 2's displays are closer to 1:1) but building the feature anyway makes sense.
Given Meta is spending $10 billion per year on developing the metaverse, it doesn't seem beyond hope that they can figure out a good solution.
- Read our Oculus Quest 2 review