(David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
UPDATE 6/28/24: Meta will stop releasing Quest 1 bug fixes and security updates on Aug. 31.
Original Story:
If you bought a Meta Quest 1, we have bad news: The VR headset will no longer receive new features and security updates.
On Monday, Facebook parent company Meta sent an email to users about ceasing work on new features for the device. The Meta Quest 1, also known as the Oculus Quest 1, will remain usable to play games and access apps. However, the company will only roll out maintenance and security patches until 2024, after which the headset will no longer be supported.
In another surprising move, Meta is shutting down the Quest 1’s access to VR-based social features. “Quest 1 users will no longer be able to create or join a party,” it says. “Quest 1 users who currently have access to Meta Horizon Home social features will lose access to these features on March 9, 2023. You won't be able to invite others to your Home or visit someone else's Home.
Meta declined to explain why it’s pulling support from the Quest 1. But the company’s message to users notes: “We launched Quest 1 over four years ago and stopped selling Quest 1 in 2020,” an indicator that Meta thinks the hardware is out of date.
The move will no doubt annoy adopters of the Quest 1, the company’s first standalone VR headset that doesn’t require a direct connection to a PC. It also occurs a month after legendary gaming developer John Carmack left Meta as an advisor, and complained about the company’s inefficiencies. “Make better decisions and fill your products with 'Give a Damn!'" he said.
Still, Meta’s decision to cancel support may spur sales for the Meta Quest 2 headset, which received a $100 price hike in August. It now starts at $399 for the 128GB version.
In November, Meta also laid off over 11,000 employees while also abandoning efforts on its Portal smart display business, amid the ongoing economic downturn.