Meta has released a software update for its virtual reality headsets that has caused some users to lock up. At first, Meta downplayed the issue and refused to repair affected Quest headsets unless they were under warranty, but now the company has decided to accommodate users.
Meta has released a software update for its virtual reality headsets that has caused some users to lock up. At first, Meta downplayed the issue and refused to repair affected Quest headsets unless they were under warranty, but now the company has decided to accommodate users.
As The Verge reports, the problematic update affected the Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets and effectively turned them into «bricks» (so-called bricking, when the gadget continues to work but is unable to perform its functions).
However, on December 6, Meta said that the software update issues were affecting «some new Quest 3S devices,» but did not mention Quest 2 or 3 headsets or what software version was involved, either then or in an earlier version of a new message on the support site.
The company announced on December 9 that it is releasing its latest update, Meta Quest v71, which adds features such as an updated virtual desktop display connection method and support for pass-through keyboard input in the virtual environment.
Previously, owners of the Quest 2 and 3 headsets reported that Meta refused to repair or replace their devices impacted by the update because they were out of warranty. Now, the company writes that while «most» people can now use their headsets normally, it is «actively working to resolve the issue for all users.»
Some Reddit users report that the company emailed them confirming that they were receiving out-of-warranty service, and a community manager on Meta’s support forum said that Meta’s customer support «must have new guidelines on how to support users now.»
