Quest Headset To Show Reels: Meta Testing Instagram app For VR Headset

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed the Quest VR headset will soon be able to show Reels. Meta is testing Instagram app for the VR headset right after unveiling an aggressively priced Quest 3 device.

Meta is trying to showcase the apps and features that can work in the Quest ecosystem. Right after Apple demonstrated its $3499 Vision Pro, Meta revealed it will soon offer Instagram and Reels for the Quest VR headset.

Quest Users Can Scroll Through Reels

Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the Quest ecosystem will soon welcome the Instagram app. The VR headset will also allow scrolling through Reels videos.

Zuckerberg made the announcement on Meta's broadcast channel on Friday, "We're testing Reels on Quest." He also shared a video revealing how a Reel will look in Virtual Reality (VR).

Scrolling through the Instagram app and watching Reels on the Quest VR headset isn't much different from using these apps on a regular smartphone. Similar to other apps on the system, it looks like users can browse through Reels in a window that appears against their virtual background.

It is possible that Reels may exist within Meta's Instagram app for the Quest. However, Meta would first offer the features for users to test before rolling out a stable release.

Meta Is Following Apple's Footsteps By Tying Ecosystems?

Apple showcased the Vision Pro Mixed Reality headset during the WWDC23 event. The $3499 headset can offer Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Content as it has a transparent visor and multiple cameras for gesture and vision tracking.

More importantly, Apple is actively offering its apps, services, and platforms on the Visio Pro. Content from Disney+ and its associated content publishers will be available on the launch day of Vision Pro.

Zuckerberg appears to have released the importance of merging apps and systems to offer a holistic ecosystem. However, Zuckerberg claims Apple's vision for the Vision Pro isn't the one he wants, as Apple mainly focused on solitary activities during its presentation. "Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social. It's about people interacting in new ways and feeling closer in new ways."

In simple words, Meta is interested in forming a cohesive ecosystem. However, as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others are social media platforms, Meta would try and keep the Quest ecosystem social, promoting interaction between users.