Ugh, where do I even start with this? Okay, so Meta’s got this new thing – uh, they’re testing it in Quest’s latest Horizon OS update, you know the v77 one. They’re kind of shaking things up with this dock UI and now there’s this launcher overlay. Plus, and here’s the part that actually got me paying attention, some folks will be seeing 3D Instagram photos in their Quest feed. Weirdly cool, right?
So, Navigator. They first mentioned this at Connect 2024. Imagine it like a centralized app hub, but it’s got this neat little trick – you can pin up to 10 items for quick access. Sounds handy? I think so. Meta’s like, “We’ve got this fully spatial operating system,” which either means they’re onto something big or just talking fancy. Who knows? But the point is, Navigator’s supposed to help you juggle stuff without losing your mind.
You get to multitask, and, like, connect with people. Or at least that’s what they’re saying in their patch notes. And honestly, it sounds like it’s trying hard to be your smartphone but, you know, inside a headset.
There’s this YouTuber – ‘The Construct’ – who’s been messing around with Navigator and sharing some hands-on insights. If you’re curious, check it out. But I digress.
Meta insists they’ve spent a decade learning and designing this Navigator thing. They say it’s unobtrusive, intuitive, all that good stuff. It’s starting as a limited test on the Public Test Channel (PTC) v77 and will roll out slowly. So don’t hold your breath if you’re not seeing it yet.
Oh, and Instagram – it’s getting a quirky little makeover too. Meta’s testing out 3D-ified photos (yeah, I just made up that word, but it fits, right?). If you’re in the PTC v77 group, you might see your 2D photos magically turned into 3D – or at least that’s the promise.
They’re hinting at a future where more of your social media becomes immersive and 3D. I guess that’s cool, or maybe it’s just gimmicky. Time will tell.
By the way, if you’re itching to get into the Public Test Channel, there’s this whole thing with the Meta Horizon app on your phone. You’ll have to fiddle around in ‘Devices’ and toggle some settings. Sounds complicated, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out if you’re keen enough. Good luck with that!
