Discovering Apple’s Stunning 3D Spatial Videos on Meta Quest 3 🎮

If you’ve been curious about the buzz surrounding 3D spatial videos, you’ve come to the right place. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience these captivating videos on the Meta Quest 3, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience! But the real question is: are these advancements signaling the future of entertainment on this $500 headset?

While it’s clear that spatial videos shine brighter on the premium $3,500 Apple Vision Pro, the idea of using a more budget-friendly XR platform like the Quest 3 is thrilling. With technology evolving rapidly, I decided to dive into this fascinating area and see what all the excitement was about.

Getting Started: Requirements for Watching Spatial Videos

Essential Equipment and Apps

Before embedding yourself in immersive spatial videos, you’ll need to gather a few vital tools:

• A Meta Quest headset: The Meta Quest family, including Quest Pro, Quest 2, and Quest 3, supports spatial videos. I specifically tested this feature on the Quest 3 model.
• OS version v62 or higher: Ensure your OS is updated. If you’re uncertain about which version you have, look for online resources for updating your device if required.
• An iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max: To upload your spatial videos seamlessly, this specific iPhone model is non-negotiable.
• Spatial video content: Capture your own spatial videos using an iPhone 15 Pro or check out preloaded samples for your viewing pleasure.
• The Meta app: Make sure the app is correctly installed on your iPhone and linked to your Quest headset.

While you may technically view the provided demos without an iPhone 15 Pro, you won’t be able to add more videos to your Quest without it.

Navigating the Setup Process: Read the Instructions! 📖

Embarking on your journey of watching spatial videos on the Quest 3 is more straightforward than it seems—provided you have all prerequisites checked off. I faced some initial bumps due to overlooking specific instructions, but now you can avoid the confusion that others and I experienced.

Here’s a simplified guide to help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Open the Meta app and locate the menu icon in the lower right corner.
• Navigate to the Gallery. Note that you don’t need to tap the menu first, while it wasn’t made clear, Gallery is always accessible from the main screen.
• Follow through to upload your videos; don’t let confusion stop you from exploring this exciting technology!

How to Upload Spatial Videos from Your iPhone 📱

After successfully connecting my wife’s iPhone 15 Pro Max to the Quest 3, the process became smooth. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Meta app on your iPhone and select the Upload option, which should now be visible.
• A list of your recorded spatial videos will appear, ready to be uploaded to your headset.
• Tap Upload to send the selected videos to your Meta Quest 3.

The spatial video files utilize a specific API that is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which is why uploading from another phone resulted in complications.

Enjoying Your Spatial Videos on Meta Quest 3 🎥

Playing back your spatial videos is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

• Access the Files icon on your Quest dashboard.
• Locate the Spatial Videos section on the left.
• Choose the video you wish to watch, and let the immersive experience begin!

While you can find several pre-installed videos, viewing your own recorded moments can be especially rewarding, adding a personal touch.

Experience and Feedback on Spatial Video Playback 🌟

While I was excited to delve into this new form of entertainment, I harbored a teeny-tiny suspicion of what might come next. Playing back my spatial videos was indeed entertaining, yet there were some observations worth sharing:

• Video Interface: The videos appeared somewhat distanced, similar to a menu at a fast-food restaurant, positioned high and backwards. You can’t reposition this video during playback, which may hinder engagement.
• Video Quality: I anticipated a stunning 3D spectacle, yet what I encountered was somewhat underwhelming. Despite some head movement allowing recognition of depth, the overall experience didn’t evoke a truly immersive 3D feel.

This doesn’t mean the entire experience was ruined. The videos displayed perfectly fine but lacked that wow factor that one might expect from a cutting-edge technology.

It’s likely that as the ecosystem surrounding Apple and Meta continues to mature, we’ll see improvements in both the content’s quality and the user experience. The landscape of spatial videos is exhilarating and evolving, enhancing how we connect with our cherished moments.

As you embark on your own journey with spatial videos, consider whether you’d like to capture some memories for yourself or just savor existing content on your Quest 3. Either way, this immersive experience is certainly one to explore!