Meta Reimagines VR with 3D Instagram and a Fresh Interface
Virtual reality is steadily moving out of the niche enthusiast space and into the everyday lives of average users. Meta, the company behind the popular Quest VR headset, has just announced the Horizon OS v77 update, introducing two major innovations: a completely redesigned interface called Navigator and an experimental feature that transforms Instagram photos into 3D Instagram. These updates go beyond aesthetics – they redefine how users interact with VR devices, apps, and social content.
The goal of these updates is to simplify daily use and deepen the integration of social networks into the virtual world. Meta is doubling down on its long-term strategy of unifying its platforms – including Instagram, Facebook, and Meta Quest – into one seamless, intuitive, and visually rich ecosystem. This aims to empower users not only to play but to work, connect, and create in VR.
Navigator: A Redesigned Approach to VR Interaction
The new Navigator interface replaces the previous dock system, bringing a sleek, semi-transparent interface that appears when the user presses the Meta (or Oculus) button. Rather than interrupting the user’s VR session, the interface overlays on top of the current app, allowing quick access to notifications, friends, settings, and favorite apps.
Users can pin up to 10 frequently used apps for even faster navigation. The UI is clear, responsive, and designed with ease-of-use in mind, regardless of the user’s familiarity with VR. Through this redesign, Meta signals its ambition to position Quest not just as a gaming device, but as a daily-use platform for communication, productivity, and media consumption.
3D Instagram Photos: Turning Flat into Deep
Arguably the most intriguing part of the v77 update is the ability to view Instagram photos in 3D. Using advanced AI algorithms, standard 2D images from your feed are transformed into immersive 3D Instagram scenes that add depth and spatial perception.
This feature uses a technique called view synthesis, which predicts how a scene would look from multiple angles. The result is a parallax-like effect, allowing users to explore their photos in a way that feels far more lifelike. Currently in limited testing, Meta plans to expand access to more users after further optimization.
Beyond the technical appeal, this could reshape how we experience memories, and how brands and creators design content. Instead of scrolling through flat photos, users may soon enter their memories in 3D, turning nostalgia into an immersive experience.
Additional Updates: Audio, Multitasking, and PC Integration
Version 77 also includes several practical improvements:
- Bluetooth LE support: The headset now works with Bluetooth Low Energy audio devices, including modern wireless earbuds and headphones that were previously unsupported.
- Follow-me windows: Users can pin floating windows that remain in view as they move through VR, enabling seamless multitasking (e.g., watching a video while exploring another app).
- Horizon for PC app: This new app consolidates the functions of Quest Link, casting, and remote desktop access into one streamlined solution for connecting the headset to a PC.
These additions improve everyday usability, helping users blend entertainment, productivity, and communication in one environment.
Wider Implications and What Comes Next
With these changes, Meta is clearly positioning Quest as more than just a gaming device. The integration of social media, a reimagined interface, and multimedia capabilities signals that the headset is becoming something akin to a “virtual smartphone” – a hub for all things digital.
Imagine joining a virtual meeting while checking Instagram messages, listening through Bluetooth earbuds, and taking notes in a floating browser. These aren’t futuristic dreams – they’re now within reach thanks to updates like v77. While many features are still in early rollout, the roadmap suggests that VR could soon rival mobile and desktop platforms in daily relevance.
Conclusion
The Horizon OS v77 update marks more than just cosmetic upgrades. With the new Navigator interface and the ability to view 3D Instagram photos, Meta is taking bold steps to enhance usability and deepen the connection between VR and social media. Additions like Bluetooth LE support, follow-me windows, and unified PC integration make the headset even more practical for everyday use.
If Meta maintains this pace of innovation and continues listening to users and developers, VR could soon evolve into a mainstream digital space – not just for gamers or tech enthusiasts, but for everyone looking to work, share, and connect in more immersive ways.
