Spatial video is an exciting new video format that allows you to view recorded videos in immersive 3D on supported devices like the Meta Quest virtual reality headset. With the latest software update, Meta Quest can now natively play spatial videos originally recorded on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
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This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to watch spatial videos on your Meta Quest, from uploading videos to the steps for viewing them in VR. Whether you want to revisit special memories or simply experience your favorite videos in a whole new way, spatial video support makes it easier than ever to do so on Meta Quest.
Contents
What Are Spatial Videos?
Spatial Video is a new video format introduced by Apple with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It captures stereoscopic 3D video using both the main and ultra-wide camera lenses simultaneously. This creates a sense of depth and immersion when viewed in a compatible 3D headset like the upcoming Apple Vision Pro.
When viewed in VR on the Quest 3, these Spatial Videos create an immersive 3D effect and sense of depth as you relive the memories and moments captured on the iPhone 15 Pro. It provides a much more affordable way to view Spatial Video compared to buying the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset.
How to Record Spatial Videos
Diving into the realm of virtual reality (VR) with the Meta Quest headset opens up a universe of immersive experiences, from gaming to social interactions, and notably, the captivating world of spatial videos. This section of our article is dedicated to guiding you through the exciting process of not only watching spatial videos on your Meta Quest headset but also how to record them, enabling you to create your own VR content to share or revisit.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Swipe down and tap Camera.
- Tap Formats.
- Scroll down to the Video Capture section.
- Tap the toggle next to Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro to the On position.
- In the top left corner, tap the < Camera button to save your changes.
With the appropriate toggle enabled, you can finally jump into the Camera app and record Spatial Video on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Here’s how you can do so:
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Swipe from left to right to switch to Video mode.
- Rotate your iPhone horizontally.
- Tap the Apple Vision Pro button in the bottom right corner of the viewfinder.
- Tap the Record button.
- Once you are finished recording, tap the Stop button.
There are a few limitations that you’ll find when trying to record Spatial Video on iPhone 15 Pro. The first of which is that you won’t be able to record any portrait video, and instead, will be prompted to turn your iPhone into landscape mode. Another limitation is that despite the fact that your iPhone can record 4K video at 60fps, you’ll be locked to 1080p at 30fps.
How to Watch Spatial Videos on Quest 3
Venturing into the immersive world of virtual reality (VR) with the Quest 3, users are granted access to a groundbreaking way of experiencing media through spatial videos. Unlike traditional videos that confine you to the perspective of the camera, spatial videos in VR enable you to look around in three-dimensional space, offering an unparalleled sense of presence and immersion.
Before you can view Spatial Videos on your Quest 3, you will need to update to software version v62 or later. Here is how to manually update your Quest 3:
- Put on your Quest 3 headset and select the universal menu button on the right controller.
- Go to Quick Settings > Settings > System > Software Update.
- If a new update is available, you will see an “Update Now” button. Select this to download and install the latest software update.
- The update may take several minutes. Your Quest will automatically restart once the update is complete.
This innovative form of media consumption allows you to explore environments as if you were truly there, turning passive viewing into an interactive experience. In this section of our article, we will guide you through the seamless process of watching spatial videos on your Quest 3 headset.
- Grab your Meta Quest 3 and turn it on.
- Open the Meta Quest app on your iPhone.
- In the bottom right corner, tap the Menu button.
- Tap Gallery button.
- In the top right corner, tap the Upload button.
- Select the Spatial Videos that you want to upload.
- Once selected, tap the Upload button.
- After you have picked your videos, they will be uploaded to the Quest 3. You will receive a notification when your videos have been successfully uploaded and are accessible.
- With the videos uploaded, press the Quest button on your controller.
- In the Universal Menu that appears, select the Apps button.
- Scroll through your list of available apps and select Files.
- From the sidebar on the left, select Spatial Videos.
- Select the video that you want to watch.
So in summary, the Meta Quest mobile app provides the bridge to get your iPhone spatial videos into the cloud, where your headset can then access and play them in VR. It’s a fairly straightforward process requiring just the iPhone capture, mobile app upload, and headset playback.
Conclusion
The ability to view iPhone spatial videos on Meta Quest opens up new possibilities for immersive video experiences. Though the process has a few more steps compared to viewing traditional 2D video, it’s relatively straightforward. By uploading spatial videos to the cloud via the Meta Quest mobile app and then accessing them from your headset’s file browser, you can watch 3D spatial video without needing an ultra-expensive headset like the Vision Pro.
As spatial video gains wider adoption across platforms, expect the convenience of accessing and viewing such content in VR to only improve. For now, Meta Quest’s spatial video support provides an affordable way to revisit special memories and videos with the added immersion of 3D.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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