Quest 3 v85 PTC Can Turn Any Surface Into A Virtual Keyboard

With the latest Public Test Channel (PTC) release of Horizon OS v85, Meta has introduced a revolutionary feature that can turn any surface into a virtual keyboard. This innovative technology, exclusively available on Quest 3, is a game-changer for text entry in virtual reality (VR) devices. In this article, we'll delve into the details of this feature, its limitations, and what it means for the future of VR interaction.

Surface Keyboard: A Revolutionary Feature

Surface Keyboard is an experimental feature that allows users to place their hands flat on any surface, such as a table or desk, and spawn a virtual keyboard. This feature is a significant improvement over traditional floating virtual keyboards, which can be cumbersome to use. With Surface Keyboard, users can type more efficiently and accurately, as the keyboard adapts to the pressure of their fingers against the surface.

To set up Surface Keyboard, users simply need to place their hands flat on the desired surface, and the keyboard will spawn after a few seconds. The feature is currently available in the Advanced settings on Horizon OS v85, and it's unclear why it's not yet available on Quest 3S.

Limitations and Future Developments

While Surface Keyboard is a significant improvement, it's not without its limitations. The virtual touchpad, which is part of the feature, often registers false positive inputs when users are not directly looking at it. Additionally, the feature only shows up in the Horizon OS home space, passthrough, or virtual. Meta has an API for developers to use the floating keyboard, and it's likely that a similar API will be available for Surface Keyboard when the feature launches to the stable channel.

Meta has been researching this technology for at least six years, and executives have shown off well-along prototypes in the past. The company has also developed software called TouchInsight, which they claim solves the problem of turning any surface into a keyboard without markers. It's unclear whether this research is what led to the shipping feature, but it seems likely to be related.

Remap Quest 3S Action Button

While Quest 3S doesn't currently have the Surface Keyboard feature, it does get its own new exclusive feature in Horizon OS v85 PTC. The Action Button, which has served one function since the headset launched (toggling passthrough), can now be remapped. Our Quest 3S does not yet have v85 PTC, so we don't yet know what it can be remapped to. If you have a Quest 3S running Horizon OS v85 PTC and have this ability, please let us know in the comments below.

Navigator Set To Be Default & Horizon Feed Removed

If you missed it, earlier this week we reported Meta's announcement that "starting" in Horizon OS v85 stable, the new 'Navigator' UI will become the default, and, separately, the Horizon Feed will be removed. In the PTC build of Horizon v85, at least on my Quest 3, that hasn't happened yet. This is likely another of Meta's very slow "rollouts".

Practical Implications and Future Developments

The Surface Keyboard feature has significant implications for the future of VR interaction. With this feature, users can type more efficiently and accurately, which can lead to a more immersive and engaging VR experience. Additionally, the feature can be used in a variety of applications, such as gaming, education, and healthcare.

As the feature continues to develop, we can expect to see more improvements and refinements. For example, the virtual touchpad may become more accurate, and the feature may be available on more devices. We may also see the development of new APIs and tools for developers to use the feature.

In conclusion, the Surface Keyboard feature is a significant improvement over traditional floating virtual keyboards, and it has significant implications for the future of VR interaction. As the feature continues to develop, we can expect to see more improvements and refinements, and we may see the development of new APIs and tools for developers to use the feature.

Technical Details

Surface Keyboard is an experimental feature that allows users to place their hands flat on any surface and spawn a virtual keyboard.
The feature is currently available in the Advanced settings on Horizon OS v85.
The virtual touchpad, which is part of the feature, often registers false positive inputs when users are not directly looking at it.
Meta has an API for developers to use the floating keyboard, and it's likely that a similar API will be available for Surface Keyboard when the feature launches to the stable channel.
The company has been researching this technology for at least six years, and executives have shown off well-along prototypes in the past.
The company has also developed software called TouchInsight, which they claim solves the problem of turning any surface into a keyboard without markers.

Forward-Looking Thoughts

As the Surface Keyboard feature continues to develop, we can expect to see more improvements and refinements. For example, the virtual touchpad may become more accurate, and the feature may be available on more devices. We may also see the development of new APIs and tools for developers to use the feature. Additionally, we may see the development of new applications and use cases for the feature, such as gaming, education, and healthcare.

Source: https://www.uploadvr.com/quest-3-v85-ptc-can-turn-any-surface-into-a-virtual-keyboard/