Latest Quest 2 Update Adds Messenger Encryption, Parental Control, and Keyboard Tracking
The Meta Quest Update 40.0, the latest Quest update, adds a new number of high-powered features including parental control functions, more encryption features for Messenger as well as better tracked keyboards.
Like all Quest updates, it will be rolling out in a staggered fashion, beginning on May 16, 2022. It will take at least a week for the update to get to all Quest users. Here is a look at some of the new features and upgrades in Update 40.0.
Security and Accessibility Updates
The version 40.0 update will now allow you to have more secure 3DS (a security protocol) authorized payments in VR. Previously, users had to rely on the companion Oculus smartphone app to authorize such credit card payments. As a result, a user had to take off their headset to access the mobile app for every transaction.
It now gets more convenient as the payments can now be authorized inside the Meta Quest 2 headset with 3DS VR apps. This feature must be implemented by developers.
The payment authorization is only applicable for Quest Store purchases. If a player needs to make an in-game purchase, the developer must opt in and enable native authorization for their apps.
Still on security, the Update v40.0 also adds new end-to-end encryption to Messenger messages and calls. However, the encryption only covers one-on-one chats and remains in the testing phase. Meta says this is a test for optional end-to-end encryption for the one-on-one messages and calls in virtual reality so it does not provide support for group chat yet.
Both parties will need to install the latest version of Messenger for the encryption to work.
Individual App Lock Support
The update also adds individual app lock, a lock pattern that enables you to protect your virtual reality headset from third-party usage. Now the app lock supports individual virtual reality apps in the app library. As a result, the selected virtual reality apps will launch only when you key in the lock pattern.
The individual app lock feature is mostly designed for parents who wish to put restrictions on the kinds of apps that their kids can access. In March this year, Meta announced its plans to roll out tools as well as measures that will protect kids in virtual environments. Meta has promised to roll out similar features in the coming months geared at protecting youngsters in VR.
New Tracked keyboards as well as other Accessibility Features
The virtual office also gets some improvements with the update. The VR headset can now track two new Logitech keyboards, the Logitech MX Keys and the Logitech K375s. The headset is now supporting the Apple Magic Keyboard via a numeric keypad.
Check out the Oculus Support Center for the whole list of tracked keyboards. Following the update, users can now see and make adjustments to the keyboards they are using.
Meta has also incorporated new audio settings for those suffering from hearing loss. Now users can adjust the volume for both the left and the right ear channels individually. They will also be able to shift between the stereo and mono output.
Finally, Meta has removed the controller settings from experimental functions and these have now become regular functions.
You can find a detailed overview of Update 40.0 in the Oculus Release Notes.
Link: Oculus Blog
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