Working productively with the Meta Quest

[Holger80]

First of all: It is possible to use the quest for productive work, but setting it up has some difficulties.

1. Using a physical keyboard

It's hard to imagine productive work without a Bluetooth keyboard. If you buy one of the supported keyboards (e.g. Logitech K370s) you will quickly notice that the German keyboard layout is not supported. The “More Physical Keyboard Layouts” app can help here: https://apkpure.com/de/more-physical-keyboard-layouts/varzan.extraKeyboardLayouts/download

From there you download the APK file. However, in order to install it you need Sidequest. Installation is even easier via Mobile VR Station. After installation, the keyboard layout can be set to German (IBM) in the settings.

2. Mobile VR Station

This app can be easily downloaded from the store. It allows you to open a file view through which APK files can be installed. As soon as Chrome or Cx File Explorer is installed, this app can be uninstalled again, as these also allow the installation of APK files.

3. Aurora Store

Many apps you need can be downloaded from the Aurora Store (Chrome, VLC, ...). This saves searching and installing APK files.

4.Chrome

Unfortunately, the Meta-Quest browser is not interested in the keyboard layout. Z and Y work, but umlauts don't work. To work around the problem, Chrome should be installed.

5. Free Adblocker Browser

A good alternative to Chrome is the Free Adblocker Browser. This uses Chrome internally and automatically filters out advertising.

6. Adjusting the window size

For those who are not very familiar with the Meta Quest interface, here is a note: The size of the windows can be changed as desired. Simply grab the window at one corner and drag to adjust the size accordingly.

7. Working with finger gestures

Using your hand as a mouse works very well for me. I would still recommend using a Bluetooth mouse.

8. App Cloner

A big advantage of the standard browser is the ability to open multiple windows. If you want to open several windows in parallel, this is not possible with Chrome. The app cloner can help here. It copies an app with a new name and icon (optional). So you then have 2 Chrome apps and can then open them in 2 separate windows.

9. Google Docs

I couldn't use Google Docs. The app only starts briefly and closes immediately. I assume that Google Play Services are required here, but they cannot be installed on the Quest. I cannot recommend productive work with Docs (online via Chrome). Copying via Ctrl+C/V is not possible there.

10. Microsoft Word

A good alternative is Microsoft Word. Copying text works reliably here and other key combinations can also be used. I had a problem copying text from other applications to Word. Word seems to use its own clipboard. As soon as I wanted to insert text from another source, I first had to minimize Word and reopen it.

11. OneNote

The Microsoft app OneNote also works very well. OneNote is certainly the best option for creating notes. However, I would always prefer to use Microsoft Word to write texts.

12. Cx File Explorer

A “must have”. It allows access to files on your network (SMB, SFTP). You can exchange files with other devices (FTP server). The installation of APK files is also possible here. The ability to create text files and edit them with the integrated editor is also useful for making notes offline.

13. Terminal Emulator

Just to carry out a ping to check whether another PC can be reached. Of course, there are many other options available to you when it comes to accessing Bash.

14. OpenVPN

Connect In order to work productively, in many cases a connection to the company network must be established. You will receive a configuration file from the IT that can be loaded directly into OpenVPN. Note: I had to activate Insecure under Advanced settings to get it run.

15. Remote Desktop Client (RDP)

Most applications are probably run directly on the company PC. After a VPN connection has been established with the company network, the company PC can be accessed via a remote desktop connection. Small disadvantage: Multiple monitors cannot be used.

16. Virtual Desktop

A very good alternative to RDP is Virtual Desktop. It allows the use of up to 3 monitors (windows). Another advantage is that no VPN connection is required. The virtual desktop streamer must be installed on the company computer. This reports to a server and allows control even without a VPN.

17. VLC

Ideal for playing video and audio files. Also allows access to DLNA and SMB servers.

18. Teams

Microsoft Team can be installed as an APK. This means you can take part in meetings even without an RDP connection. By the way, Teams also runs quite well via virtual desktop. All you have to do is adjust the settings for the microphone and speakers accordingly.

19. Lightning Launcher

Starting the various applications via the Meta Quest menu is a bit complicated. Many apps are located under the “Unknown Sources” tab. A good alternative here is the Lightning Launcher. It also allows opening websites. This makes it possible, for example, to open a Wake on LAN page that starts the company PC.