Experience 8K Virtual Reality With the Meta Quest 3

The Meta Quest 3 is becoming the go-to solution for viewing 360-degree videos thanks to Google's upgrade of the YouTube VR app, which supports an incredible 8K resolution.

Although 8K resolution may seem extravagant when considering that high-end VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Pimax Crystal Super only provide around 4K-per-eye resolutions, it's essential to keep in mind that you are only ever seeing part of an entire 360deg video at any one time.

Google recently showcased an 8K video example on YouTube VR to illustrate its improved quality. Prior to now, 4K resolution videos appeared as 1080p when streamed through VR applications - however, with Quest 3 displays boasting sharp displays, you can enjoy clarity better than 2K-per-eye resolution!

Meta recently unveiled YouTube VR on their Quest app store, noting that version 1.54 or higher of their app and a Meta Quest 3 are required to access 8K resolution. Older models such as Pro and Quest 2, which utilise earlier Qualcomm Snapdragon chips may not support such high-quality video decoding capabilities.

When playing back videos of appropriate quality, their playback settings should include options for 4320p or 4320p60 playback modes - 8K resolution with 30 or 60 frames per second resolution respectively.

Enhancements to VR180 Videos in Meta Quest 3

This update improves the quality of VR180 videos, which are particularly engaging when used with virtual reality headsets because they are 3D and provide 180 degrees of movement. These formats focus on engaging parts of a video that are located directly before viewers, especially since VR headsets enable this form of movement.

Hugh Hou is one of YouTube's premier VR creators. He created an exceptional 8K 360-degree VR video of an eruption with Quest 3. Unlike watching on a computer, where manual adjustments must be made to change the viewing angle, the video's natural navigation allows viewers to look around freely while simulating a drone's flying experience.

Fans of 360 and 3D videos will appreciate this latest upgrade to YouTube VR, particularly owners of a Meta Quest 3. However, for older models such as Quest 2 or Quest Pro models Meta Quest TV remains their go-to solution for high-resolution video viewing.