Microsoft revealed during its annual Build conference on Tuesday that it plans to introduce “Windows Volumetric Apps” to Meta Quest headsets. This collaboration aims to integrate Windows 365 and local PC connectivity with Quest devices, thereby allowing developers to expand their applications into the 3D realm.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Windows and Devices, highlighted the strengthened partnership with Meta during his address at the event. “We are enhancing our collaboration with Meta to deliver a premier Windows experience on Quest devices,” Davuluri stated. “Windows can leverage the unique capabilities of Quest headsets to bring Windows applications into the 3D space.”
Developers are invited to enroll in the developer preview to gain access to a new “volumetric API,” designed by Microsoft to enhance spatial understanding capabilities directly within their existing workflows.
According to the registration page, Microsoft seeks developers who either create or offer plug-ins for 3D Windows desktop applications or serve customers utilizing 3D applications on Windows desktops. The goal is to extend these applications into 3D content supplemented by mixed reality features.
Additionally, Microsoft is collaborating with Meta to develop a limited edition Meta Quest VR headset, themed around the Xbox. In further news, Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365 productivity tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to the Quest platform last December.
