Quest v66 Firmware Datamining reveals what’s coming next

Meta Quest v66 system software update started rolling out last week on PTC (Public Test Channel).

The Public Test Channel is an early access program for the Meta Quest system software. By registering, you can get early access to the unreleased version of the software before the release.

Most of the features spotted in the Public Test Channel make it to full release, but not all of them ship right away in the next stable update, while others may just be internal tests and never get made.

Every month when PTC is released, I do a surface-level scan of the relevant system files and applications to look for possible changes and additions. I also notice immediately accessible features. Here are some of my findings:

Meta hand button experimental feature

This feature adds the menu and Meta/Oculus to your wrist, allowing alternative access to apps and games that support hand tracking.

Downloads folder in the application library

The new strings suggest work on adding a “Downloads” folder to the app library, which will allow users to easily sort and manage the download and update of apps and updates.

Introducing Meta AI Assistant

The new leaks suggest that Meta AI (as in Ray-Ban’s Meta smart glasses) could be coming to the Quest headset at some point.

Ray-Ban Meta glasses get visual artificial intelligence, video calling, new style

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses now have a third style option, first-person view sharing in WhatsApp and Messenger calls, and visual AI look and ask in the US and Canada.

This would replace the current Voice Commands app and allow Ray-Bans-like functionality with the AI ​​assistant able to “see” what you see through the Passthrough cameras and provide information or take action.

Sensor lock privacy function

The verses refer to a new privacy option called “Sensor Lock” where the cameras and microphones will be hard turned off whenever the headphones are not worn. When activated, the user will have to put on their headphones, press the power button, and then wait for the tracking to initialize.

Calendar synchronization

The short strings refer to the ability to sync calendars with the device, which could allow for better productivity and be used by the eventual Meta AI assistant.

Adaptive brightness of content

The renders suggest that apps will be able to dynamically adjust brightness if you let them, relying on Meta Quest Pro’s Display Brightness Compensation feature.

Further work on Codec Avatars

Previous updates introduced strings referencing Meta’s photorealistic Codec Avatars.

Is Meta Bringing Photoreal Codec Avatars to Search Soon?

Is Meta bringing its photorealistic Codec Avatars to Quest sooner than expected? Findings and analysis here:

v66 Adds a line about calibrating these avatars.

Custom virtual keyboard size and positioning

Some strings in v66 refer to the ability to change and customize the size of the virtual size. Curiously, Meta’s “Travel Mode” demo video shows a user with a custom-sized free-floating keyboard, a feature currently not active in v66.

Do Not Disturb Upgrade.

Strings referring to the ability to set custom Do Not Disturb timers and a new UI banner when active.

Bluetooth improvements

The multiple strings seem to suggest that Meta is working on improvements to Bluetooth.

One is a feature called Quick Pair that allows notifications when a new device is found. Next is the ability to pair controllers to headphones.