Meta Quest headsets bricked after updates

Photo: Meta

Numerous Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets are becoming unresponsive after recent software updates, leaving users frustrated. The issue, affecting devices left unused for extended periods, displays an error message declaring them "corrupt."

Meta initially offered costly out-of-warranty replacements, but backlash led to a temporary fix—a forced reboot. However, this often fails. The company is investigating and working on a permanent solution, while advising users to avoid updates and contact support. This incident highlights the critical importance of thorough software testing before release.

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Threads introduces advanced search filters

Image: Meta

Meta is trying to keep its Threads competition at bay with a new update for its search option. It's not quite as comprehensive as what you'll see on X but it at least allows you to narrow your queries by keywords, language, exact phrases, hashtags, excluded words, and more. As Tech Crunch pointed out, it brings the social site more on par with Bluesky's search options. But the Bluesky app doesn't show all the filtering options yet.

Before this update, Threads would only show a keyword or keywords and filter these through "Top" or posts with the most engagements, and "Recent" or the latest posts. This new search feature is going to be rolled out to users in the coming weeks.

SOURCE | VIA

Meta Quest 3S officially launches

Photo: Meta

Meta's newest entry-level virtual reality headset officially launched on October 15. And for a limited time in the US, you can get the new Meta Quest 3S bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow. This Quest 3-exclusive (and now Quest 3S) action game pits the Caped Crusader against the Rat King. This bundle is available for both storage configurations (128GB and 256GB) until April 30, 2025, at US$300 (around CA$413) and US$400 (~CA$550), respectively.

The Meta Quest 3S is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset as the Quest 3 and features the same 8GB of RAM. It also comes with a pair of Touch Pro controllers to navigate menus with gestures. The Quest 3S supposedly offers better battery life with an average playtime of two-and-a-half hours. (Its predecessor tops out at two hours).

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Alo Moves workout app comes to Meta Quest 3 VR

Photo: Alo Moves

If you've ever thought of working out in virtual reality, Alo Moves introduces a version of its app for the Meta Quest 3. Alo Moves XR is the first wellness app on Meta's platform to feature volumetric 3D-capture classes. This technique allows you to see the class from all angles. It lets you "interact" with your 3D instructors, "reposition" them and view every angle for a complete 360-degree perspective.

Alo Moves XR launches with 32 classes across yoga, pilates, and mindfulness categories. Popular instructors like yoga teacher Ashley Galvin and pilates specialist Bianca Wise are on the platform. You can expect a structured release schedule of four to five new mixed-reality yoga and pilates classes added monthly alongside weekly meditation and sound bath sessions.

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