Meta fans have been left outraged after the company announced plans to end support for one of its biggest products.
In an email sent to customers, the tech giant said it would no longer offer software updates for the original Meta Quest 1 VR headset – formerly called the Oculus Quest.
Released in 2019, the headset was one of the first to offer head tracking and six degrees of movement – but it will now be phased out of Meta’s growing VR line.
Die-hard fans will still be able to play and download apps as long as developers continue to support them, but Meta warns that there could be serious security implications.
And on social media, outraged customers have pleaded with Mark Zuckerberg to reconsider the decision, which takes effect at the end of August.
Meta has outraged fans today as it announces the end of support for the popular Meta Quest 1 headset (pictured).
On social networks, fans of the headphones have reacted with outrage to the news that they will no longer have support from Meta.
On Reddit one furious customer wrote: ‘A great tragedy occurs today.’
Another posted: “This is really too bad – I’m still using my search, I see how much nicer the new ones are but I can’t afford a new one.”
The Reddit user continued: “I think Meta should at least do the bare minimum of fixing the saferooms for older devices.
“Just a little over five years old at this point.”
Meta had previously signaled the closure of the Meta Quest 1 after announcing in January last year that it would stop releasing new apps and features for the device.
However, the removal of security updates for the now outdated headset came as a surprise to many fans.
In its email, Meta wrote: “We would like to let you know that starting August 31, 2024, we will no longer provide bug fixes or security updates for the Meta Quest 1 headset.”
Many gaming fans were surprised to hear that they would no longer receive security updates or patches for their devices.
In an email sent to original customers, Meta announced that it would no longer provide software or security updates for the headset
In the email, Meta added: ‘You will still be able to download new apps and continue to use your existing apps as long as they are supported by the developer.’
This means that original customers will still be able to use any games or apps they purchased through the Meta store.
However, some developers, such as the makers of Beat Saber, have already announced that they will end support for Meta Quest 1.
Although customers will still be able to continue using their existing headphones, Meta also issued a stark warning about the dangers of doing so.
Meta wrote: “If any security vulnerabilities are discovered in the future, private data stored directly on the device accessible from it would be at risk of compromise.”
Originally released in 2019, the acquired Meta Quest was one of the first headsets to offer wireless VR experiences. Furious fans have taken to social media to urge Mark Zuckerberg (pictured wearing the Oculus Rift VR headset) to reverse the decision.
Customers will still be able to use games and apps purchased for their headsets. However, some developers such as the maker of the Beat Saber (pictured) have announced that they will no longer support older headphones
Many cybercriminals operate by exploiting vulnerabilities in old or outdated software as known security vulnerabilities are often widely distributed on the Internet.
Without ongoing updates to fix these issues, Meta Quest 1 owners may be putting their personal data at risk by using the headset.
However, there is still hope for VR fans as this announcement comes amid rumors of a new headset being released.
In the same email, Meta wrote: ‘We are excited about the future of Meta Quest and look forward to bringing you more innovative MR [mixed reality] experience.’
In October of last year, Meta released the state-of-the-art Meta Quest 3 virtual and mixed reality headset.
In its release, Meta claimed the headset would blend physical and digital reality, allowing customers to ‘play a virtual piano on your coffee table’ or ‘open a portal in your living room.’
However, at $499 (£479) the Meta Quest 3 may have proved too expensive for many customers.
End of support for Meta Quest 1 (pictured) comes amid rumors of Meta Quest 3S release
It is now widely believed that Meta is preparing the release of Meta Quest 3S, a cheaper and lighter alternative to Meta Quest 3.
The name Quest 3S appeared on a digital software store operated by Meta, and chief technical officer Andrew Bosworth appeared to accidentally feature the headset in a recent video.
The sudden removal of quest support also coincides with reduced sales for Meta Quest 2 as the device is now unavailable in many areas on Meta’s website.
If the rumored release is true, it could be a gamble that VR enthusiasts may be tempted to upgrade from the Meta Quest 1 to a cheaper and much more powerful model.