Meta Quest Headsets Now Support 3D Instagram Photos and New Navigator

Meta is pushing the boundaries of virtual reality by introducing 3D Instagram photos on its Quest headsets. This new feature leverages AI view synthesis algorithms to convert traditional 2D photos into immersive 3D experiences, pixel by pixel, without requiring specialized 3D cameras. Imagine scrolling through your Instagram feed and suddenly feeling like you can step inside the photo—Meta is making that a reality.

This feature is currently in testing and will roll out gradually, so not all users will see it immediately. It builds on Meta’s earlier experiments with 3D photos on Facebook, showing the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing social media immersion within VR environments.

Alongside 3D photos, Meta Quest’s v77 update introduces Navigator, a new interface designed to simplify access to apps, games, friends, notifications, and system settings. Activated by pressing the Meta or Oculus button on the right controller, Navigator lets users pin up to 10 items for quick access, creating a more personalized and efficient VR experience.

The update also brings experimental support for Bluetooth Low Energy audio devices, enhancing wireless audio experiences in VR. Additionally, it introduces a feature allowing a selected window to follow users as they move, improving multitasking and usability within virtual spaces.

Perhaps most notably, Meta consolidates several PC-related functions—Quest Link, casting, and remote desktop—into a single application called Horizon for PC. This streamlining reduces friction for users connecting their Quest headsets to PCs, making VR more accessible and integrated with traditional computing environments.

Meta’s approach highlights how AI and user interface innovation can transform social media and VR experiences. By automatically converting 2D images into 3D and simplifying navigation, Meta is lowering barriers to immersive content consumption and interaction. For developers and businesses, this signals a growing opportunity to create richer, more engaging VR applications that blend social connectivity with cutting-edge technology.