Your Oculus Quest 2 will soon get new experimental VR apps much faster
VR proving ground gets a boost
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TheOculus QuestandOculus Quest 2app libraries are growing at a speedy rate these days, buoyed by the success of Facebook’s latest VR headset and growing user base. But what about the smaller, more experimental VR projects that are being worked on?
You may already be using the sideloading capabilities of your headset, but at the start of last month Facebook introduced the App Lab section of the Quest interface for distributing non-store software. While this software is less stable, whether paid or free, it’s a fun way to play with work-in progress software, and for developers to get their ideas into users hands without quite as strict an approval processes as the regularOculusstore requires.
And now there could soon be a deluge of new apps coming through the portal. Amazingly, until now, the App Lab submissions team has only had three people working on it. But Facebook’s Vice President of Augmented and Virtual Reality Andrew Bosworth, speaking on an Instagram AMA, revealed the company will be “ramping up” that team:
“I don’t think we’ve been surprised [at the response to App Labs], we’ve been delighted. It’s been high volume. We actually only have l a team of, I think right now, three people going through those submissions, because the store had a pretty low volume. […]So, we’re ramping that up. We have got plans to grow that team so we can actually get through those submissions faster.”
VR curiosities
It seems then that the amount of submissions to the App Lab is growing quickly, meaning more items for us all to play with on our headsets soon.
For Oculus owners, it’s an exciting development – though the headsets enjoy a fast-growing catalogue, the number of games and apps available still pales in comparison to the home consoles.
App Labs will quickly introduce more items than ever before to players’ headsets, as well as giving devs the important feedback needed to bring their ideas fully to life. So long as it doesn’t become a dumping ground for complete trash, it’ll be an interesting repository to tap into.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
ViaUpload VR
Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site’s home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don’t expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of ‘Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future’, published by Aurum Press.
Batman: Arkham Shadow review: an almost flawless VR experience
Batman: Arkham Shadow is the Meta Quest 3 game you’ve been waiting for
Arcane season 2 finally gave us the huge Caitlyn and Vi moment we’ve been waiting for – and its creators say ‘we couldn’t have done it in season one’
