Meta has introduced some new fitness-related features for its Quest headset, which will be an incentive for more people to try this experience.
In the latest device update, the company is adding two new features. The first is Health Connect integration, enabling Android users to automatically sync their Quest exercise data. The second feature is the ability to pair heart rate monitors via Bluetooth, The Verge reports.
In turn, a spokesman for “Meta” said that the company will provide the ability to display the user’s heart rate in any game or application, along with the minutes exercised and the amount of calories burned by the user.
Right now, the only known compatible monitors are the Garmin HRM-Dual and Polar H10 chest straps, but other brands and models (even smartwatches) may be able to pair with the headset.
Meanwhile, Health Connect integration will give users the ability to automatically sync VR headset workouts to their Android devices.
The Health Connect API allows health and fitness data to be shared across devices and between apps, such as Samsung Health and MyFitnessPal. To activate integration between apps, users will need to sync their Meta Quest Move stats with the Meta Quest app. They can do this by going to the “Move” app on the headset and entering Settings, then switching to “Health Connect by Android” under the “Connected Apps” section of the Meta Quest app.
A few days ago, the company sent out emails to owners of Quest 1, the first release, telling them that their devices would no longer be getting new features. Meta will also release critical bug and security patches for the device through 2024.
As a reminder, two versions of the “Quest” headphones, which feature three-dimensional sound and noise isolation, have been released and are working on the third version, and the price of the second version is currently $500.
Perhaps it will be more exciting for fitness enthusiasts anymore, especially after Meta confirmed that the data you choose to share will be end-to-end encrypted, and not used for targeted advertising.