The Meta Quest 3 Has Incredible Potential, But Meta Keeps Holding It Back
I’ve been in the Meta Quest ecosystem for years, starting with the Quest 2 that I bought in the U.S. for about $250 on Black Friday. Later, I upgraded to the Meta Quest 3 here in Europe. I purchased the 512GB model at full retail price from Coolblue, which was close to €700 with no discounts. Because of that investment, I expected a polished, next-generation VR experience. Instead, the device feels restricted in ways that make no sense for its price or its potential. To bring friends into VR with me, I gave my Quest 2 to a friend so we could play together. He didn’t enjoy it and passed it to his brother, and now I’m the one trying to convince his brother to use it. I then bought the same friend a Meta Quest 3S, hoping a newer model would change his mind, but he lost interest after a few months and gave it back to me. That says a lot about how empty the ecosystem feels. If Horizon Worlds had more depth, better tools, stronger communities, and easier ways for creators to flourish, people wouldn’t walk away so fast. The biggest problem with the Quest 3 is how creator-unfriendly it is. Streaming to YouTube requires workarounds, third-party apps, and unnecessary steps. Streaming to Facebook is the only direct option, yet very few people use Facebook for live content anymore. The strangest part is that Meta owns Instagram, yet there is still no way to stream directly to Instagram from inside the headset. There’s also no simple option for TikTok, even though VR content performs extremely well on TikTok. If Meta wants VR to grow, they need to empower creators, not limit them. Right now, creators have to fight the system just to show people what VR can do. Inside Horizon Worlds, the gaps become even clearer. VRChat already allows avatar streaming, virtual selfie cameras, expressive tools, and full creative freedom. Horizon Worlds should be leading the industry, not lagging behind it. Instead, it often feels limited, closed off, and inconsistent. Many sessions are filled with trolls, children, and chaotic interactions that make the platform frustrating for adults who bought the device to relax, socialize, or create. Meta needs stronger moderation tools, age controls, and better systems to keep Horizon enjoyable for adults. Productivity is another area that needs improvement. I work remotely, so I wanted to use the Quest for work tasks, but Meta Workrooms and Meta Remote Desktop feel restricted. I had to buy Virtual Desktop just to get the proper functionality. A third-party app should not outperform Meta’s official version on Meta’s own hardware. This shows how much the ecosystem is still unfinished. Even accessories fall short. I bought the Meta Pen (the Logitech stylus collaboration) expecting a deeper creative experience, but many apps don’t correctly display the pen and instead show the standard controller. This breaks immersion and makes it feel like the pen was added to the lineup without developers being prepared to support it. The overall user experience feels inconsistent. Avatar consistency is another issue. Some apps show the updated avatars while others use older versions. This breaks the feeling of a connected metaverse. If Meta wants a unified VR identity system, avatars need to be consistent across all apps, not left to chance. One of the biggest concerns I want to warn buyers about is the replacement process. My original Meta Quest 3 had a strap loop break, so I sent it in expecting a repair. Instead, Meta replaced the device. Normally that would sound positive, but the replacement was not equal in quality. My original Quest 3 had a very clear and sharp screen. Every replacement I received was noticeably blurrier, almost like a downgrade. It felt like Meta was sending refurbished units of lower value instead of matching the premium device I originally purchased. This should not happen to customers who pay full price for a flagship headset. Meta keeps focusing on building the “next headset,” but they are ignoring the problems with the one they already sold to millions of people. The Quest 3 has incredible hardware and could be the strongest VR device on the market, but Meta needs to unlock its potential. They need to improve streaming, open up creator tools, unify avatars, fix Horizon Worlds moderation, push out affordable Quest 2 inventory to grow the user base, improve Workrooms, make the Meta Pen properly supported, and ensure replacement devices match the original quality. I’ve invested time, money, and belief into this platform. I’ve bought multiple headsets for myself, friends, and their family members, and even then, the ecosystem is not strong enough to hold their interest. That’s not a hardware problem. It’s an ecosystem problem. Meta can fix this if they prioritize the users who already believe in their vision. The Quest 3 could be incredible, but Meta needs to stop limiting it and start listening.
The new quest ui is terrible
so the new ui just came out for meta quest and its the most annoying overly complicated ui i have ever had the displeasure of dealing with anyone know any way to reverse it or suggest they change it back or at least give us the option to choose berween the old and new one its extremly annoying i know along of people feel the same way i have to slide thru like 9 tabs to locate an app i used to be able to see on one easy to slide screen and trying to open the call im on is like a 25 step process vs just clicking on one button on my quick menu please reverse this or give us the option to choose between the 2 or customize it
Navigator reversion
It has occurred to me the worst possible thing currently, new newest menu, i despise it. The newest menu for i and many other user i spoke to beforehand all mention the same circumstance, "its laggy", "the orginizations aggrivating", "it hurts my mind", and many other sorts. The most common struggle is the lag dropping, one user claims "i never wanted to go back to my Gameboy after this new update, it feels like i crash instead of play!" Recent concerns of lower framerates is not something to skip, lag is a gamer and developers nightmare, it only destroys enjoyment and pleasure. Other evidences to the lag is a speculation of tabs and library are loaded near the same time, causing the lag, and the extra steps to just reenter a game, all horrible signs of no functionality. Another secondary caused by the newest navigation menu is the orginization and mind disturbance. 'the orginization style is clunky and aggrivating, and it simply hurts my eyes and head' , claim multiple users, and they couldnt speak with any more truth about it! the formation of the navigation is equally aggrivating to the mind and eyes, it looms disorienting and feels lost to the brain. A finality of succumbing issues to a problem is the suppression to change it. In modern updates, the option to change it is absurd iin ts own form, with a support specialist, Omar, claiming 'its for anew modern and smoother evolution' which doesn't even preform such. Many users, along with myself claim "it is foolish that you cant change to the original menu? they need to bring that option back", this all a great deal, since this is major suppression to a freedom of choice. Imagine the fact you hate the feature, and cursed to never even change it, sounds nightmarish, for it is. A terrifying reality to terms, you can never rechange it unless the many speak up Alas, of all, in chaos and obstruction aside, how are ww, the people capable to speaking up about this? A highly popular answer is to rise the issue, speak more of the topic, make it heard. But truly, is the new update a step up to modern stasis, or a way of forcing ideas?
WHY SHOULD WE KEEP META HORIZON WORLDS IN VIRTUAL REALITY?
WHY SHOULD WE KEEP META HORIZON WORLDS IN VIRTUAL REALITY? Proposal by Apple Loving Individual March 22, 2026 Introduction In March 2026, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Horizon Worlds would be removed from all Meta Quest VR headsets as part of a shift toward a mobile‑first strategy (Murti). The decision surprised many long‑time users, especially given that Meta originally introduced the metaverse vision in 2021 with Horizon Worlds as its flagship VR experience (Milmo). That announcement was so central to Meta’s identity that the company rebranded from The Facebook Company to Meta Platforms, signaling a long‑term commitment to immersive virtual reality. The abrupt reversal has sparked widespread concern among VR users, creators, and social‑world communities. Many argue that prioritizing mobile over VR undermines the core purpose of the metaverse: to provide an embodied, immersive environment that cannot be replicated on a flat screen. For countless users, Horizon Worlds has served as a creative outlet, a social refuge, and a meaningful space for connection. Removing it from VR risks dismantling these communities and erasing years of creative investment. Why People First Came to the Metaverse People entered the metaverse for a variety of personal, social, and psychological reasons. Many sought entertainment, creative expression, and a sense of presence that traditional online platforms could not provide. Research on social VR environments shows that users are drawn to immersive spaces because they offer meaningful social presence — the feeling of “being there” with others — which is far stronger in VR than on mobile or desktop platforms (Deighan et al.). Mental‑health motivations also played a significant role. A 2025 systematic review found that metaverse environments can reduce loneliness, support emotional well‑being, and provide safe spaces for self‑expression, particularly for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or social isolation (Aboul‑Yazeed et al.). VR allows users to interact through avatars, lowering social barriers and enabling more authentic communication. Beyond emotional support, the metaverse became a hub for entertainment, events, classes, and collaborative creativity. Studies on virtual communities show that these environments foster belonging and reduce feelings of isolation by enabling shared activities and group experiences (Nayak and Satpathy). For many, the metaverse became not just a pastime but an essential part of their social and creative lives. Why VRChat Is Not a Great Alternative Although VRChat is widely known for its creative freedom and expansive user‑generated content, it is not an ideal replacement for Horizon Worlds. One major limitation is its complex avatar customization system, which often requires external software, advanced modeling skills, or paid assets. While VRChat offers flexibility, it places significant technical barriers in front of casual users. In contrast, Horizon Worlds provides built‑in, intuitive avatar tools that require no additional software or purchases, making it far more accessible. VRChat also relies heavily on VRChat+, a paid subscription that unlocks essential features such as additional avatar slots and higher upload limits. While optional, many users feel pressured to subscribe in order to fully participate. Horizon Worlds does not place core features behind a paywall, allowing all users to build worlds, customize avatars, and engage socially without additional costs. Community culture further distinguishes the two platforms. VRChat’s public spaces are often chaotic, unpredictable, and inconsistently moderated, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. Horizon Worlds, by contrast, is known for its collaborative, structured, and community‑driven atmosphere. Users frequently gather to build, host events, and participate in shared creative projects — a level of organization and safety that VRChat does not consistently provide. Why People Joined Horizon Worlds — and Why It Should Stay Users were drawn to Horizon Worlds because it offered an accessible, welcoming, and creative VR environment. Its intuitive building tools, free customization options, and supportive community made it a unique space within the metaverse. Many users found friendships, emotional support, and creative fulfillment within its virtual worlds. For them, Horizon Worlds became more than a platform — it became a digital home. Removing the VR version threatens to dismantle these communities and erase the creative labor of thousands of users. The platform’s accessibility, collaborative spirit, and social warmth are not easily replicated elsewhere. If Meta wishes to maintain trust and uphold its metaverse vision, it must preserve these qualities. Proposed Successor to Meta Horizon Worlds If Meta insists on discontinuing Horizon Worlds in VR, then it must provide a successor that honors the platform’s legacy and meets the expectations of its dedicated user base. A next‑generation platform should allow seamless migration of usernames, avatars, friend lists, and world creations. Preserving user identity and creative work is essential for maintaining continuity and trust. Technically, the successor must address the limitations of the original platform. Improved graphics, reduced latency, faster loading times, and more stable networking are essential for modern VR experiences. Enhanced visual fidelity would make worlds more immersive, while optimized performance would ensure smoother social interactions and encourage exploration. A successor that preserves accessibility while embracing technological advancements would demonstrate Meta’s commitment to immersive computing. It would reassure users that their investment in the metaverse has not been disregarded and that VR remains central to Meta’s long‑term vision. Conclusion Meta’s decision to remove Horizon Worlds from VR disrupts a thriving community and contradicts the immersive vision the company championed since 2021. Users joined the metaverse for connection, creativity, and emotional refuge — experiences that VR uniquely enables. Alternatives like VRChat do not offer the same accessibility, structure, or community‑driven environment that made Horizon Worlds successful. If Meta chooses to retire Horizon Worlds, it must replace it with a platform that is not merely equivalent but significantly better. A successor with improved graphics, lower latency, faster loading, and seamless user migration would honor the platform’s legacy and preserve the communities that brought Meta’s metaverse vision to life. The future of VR depends on platforms that value their users, support creativity, and foster meaningful connection. Whether through Horizon Worlds or a worthy successor, Meta must ensure that the spirit of immersive community remains at the heart of its technological evolution. Works Cited Aboul‑Yazeed, Mohamed, et al. “The Psychological Impacts of the Metaverse: A Systematic Review.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 16, 2025, pp. 1–15. Deighan, Christopher, et al. “Social Presence and Emotional Support in Virtual Reality During the COVID‑19 Pandemic.” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 152, 2024, pp. 1–12. Milmo, Dan. “Facebook Changes Its Name to Meta as It Refocuses on the Metaverse.” The Guardian, 28 Oct. 2021. Murti, Megan. “Meta Shifts Horizon Worlds to Mobile‑First Strategy, Ending VR Support.” The Verge, 3 Mar. 2026. Nayak, Ranjan Kumar, and Suchismita Satpathy. “Virtual Communities and Well‑Being: A Study of Social Interaction in the Metaverse.” Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, vol. 17, no. 2, 2025, pp. 45–62. [edited for privacy - this is a public forum]Informal announcement: Horizon Worlds WON'T actually be leaving VR
So you may have seen the formal announcement from Meta that Horizon Worlds would soon be discontinued in VR: Updates to Your Meta Quest Experience in 2026 | Meta Community Forums - 1369435 Well the good news is that the Meta CTO has had a change of heart, and now Horizon Worlds will be available as a separate app in VR. You will be able to access all existing Worlds, but won't get access to any new content 🙂: Boz on X: "ICYMI this from my AMA yesterday. We’ve decided to retain existing Horizon Worlds in VR for the foreseeable future. I know this is a bit of whiplash just a few days after we announced something different, but Horizon has some real fans in the VR community and they encouraged us" / X Meta CTO announces Horizon Worlds is staying on VR for existing games : r/OculusQuest They Changed Their Mind?! Horizon Worlds NOT Shutting Down! On Meta Quest 2 / 3 / 3s - YouTube Meta decides not to shut down Horizon Worlds on VR after all | TechCrunch Andrew Bosworth : Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth on Meta changing its plan of shutting down Horizon Worlds: Community was adamant that ... | - The Times of India Meta isn’t closing down its VR metaverse after all — it’ll stay live in a limited capacity for ‘the foreseeable future’ | TechRadar Turns Out Meta Isn't Shutting Down 'Horizon Worlds' in VR After All - TechMy Quest Pro Nightmare: Meta Support Canceled My RMA After Two Months of Silence
Right before Christmas, I treated myself to a new Quest Pro. When the headset arrived, I was over the moon. I’ve been with Meta since the Oculus days—starting back with the Rift S—so I’d been waiting a long time for this upgrade. But my happiness was short-lived. On the very first night, I discovered that the Menu button on the left controller wasn't working. I looked up some troubleshooting guides which suggested unpairing and re-pairing the controller. That was the final nail in the coffin; the controller died completely and refused to pair back up. The next day, I contacted Meta Support. They replied quickly and authorized an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) for a replacement. On December 29, 2025, the return was officially approved, and the process began. Then... silence. Nothing for half a month. I started messaging them almost daily just to find out what was going on. Eventually, the Meta Support bots started sending me the exact same canned responses: how sorry they are, how they don't have any specifics, but how helping me is their "life's mission," and so on. At one point, a human named Brad replied. (Hi Brad, love you.) The wording of his email was different, which gave me a glimmer of hope that my problem might actually be solved. Well, hope is still barely alive, but the situation has become even more inexplicable. Today, February 27, 2026, I received an email from Meta stating that my return has been canceled for the reason: "Other." I contacted support immediately, and once again, I was showered with empty promises. They told me they would get back to me as soon as they "clarified the information regarding the cancellation." This is pure madness. If anyone has had a similar experience, please share how you resolved it. I am as desperate as a person can possibly be at this point...😫we should bring back oculus homes
we should bring back oculus homes (you heard me) unfortunately meta killed homes in 2023 because ol' zuckyburg does not care about rift and it's users anymore (source ) as everyone has already stated, we miss rift homes (justice to people who didnt use it but i digress) and we wish we can revisit our homes, but what if........ (i'm no savvy to this) someone found an old file of rift homes that contained the application to it figure out the DNS (if so) make a community server and reroute it back to the one made by the community server instead of meta's. ofc i know this might cost money to do something like that but we just wanna revisit our homes and talk to our friends again, and customise rift avatars, and that's something that would be done in the foreseeable future if someone purposefully brung back rift home. but i don't think that'll happen as it would take months and even years to do something like that, but i hope someone does it and figure out a way to bring back oculus homes. "why not use SteamVR home?" given with how old it is it's broken to the bare minimum, rooms no longer and you can't join any of your friends's rooms (as someone who tried rooms in september 2024) "it's never going to happen" have faith, that's why i said "in the future"Looking for VR Programmer (Castle Game Engine)
Hi! I’m developing a small, win 95/retro styled VR mini-game collection called “Clownbytes VR Party”. The project includes 3 mini games: • bowling • shooting gallery • party-style VR interactions I’ve already created most of the 3D assets and gameplay concepts. I’m looking for a programmer experienced with Castle Game Engine to help implement the VR gameplay and mechanics. Revenue Share: Yes (split from game sales) Planned platforms: • Steam • itch If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to message me!
Unlocking the Metaverse for Millions: The Urgent Need for Turkish Language Support
To the Meta Development Team and the Global VR Community, Virtual reality is built on a single, powerful promise: true immersion without boundaries. Yet, for millions of Turkish-speaking users worldwide, a significant barrier remains: the absolute lack of native Turkish language support in Horizon OS and the Meta Store. Turkey currently boasts one of the most vibrant, passionate, and rapidly expanding gaming communities in Europe and the Middle East. The Meta Quest ecosystem is already highly sought-after here. However, the absence of Turkish localization is holding back its true mainstream potential. We are not just asking for a simple menu translation; we are asking for accessibility, inclusion, and the ability to safely and fully experience the Metaverse. Imagine trying to navigate complex system settings, read crucial safety boundary warnings, or comfortably browse the Meta Store in a foreign language. It instantly breaks the seamless immersion that Meta works so hard to build. By introducing Turkish language support, Meta wouldn't just be adding another language option to a dropdown menu. You would be significantly lowering the entry barrier for a massive, untapped demographic that is eager to invest time and money into the Quest ecosystem. It means better onboarding, higher user retention, and a surge in community growth. The Turkish VR community is already here. We are active, we are growing, and we want to feel at "home" in Horizon OS. It is time to bridge this gap. We strongly urge the Meta leadership and development teams to prioritize Turkish localization in your upcoming roadmap. To my fellow VR enthusiasts: If you believe the Metaverse should truly be for everyone, please hit the Kudo button and drop a comment below to amplify this request. Let’s show Meta the undeniable power of this community!Q3 LINK ISSUES
Just updated link and every time I connect to link home screen after a few minutes the screen will freeze all jittered. I turn screen off then on and it’s stuck in pass through mode but can still hear all the applications menu clicks etc.. in background anyone else having this issue or have a fix? Also add air link works fine just not linked.
