Meta fans have been left outraged as the company announces plans to end support for one of its biggest products.
In an email sent to customers, the tech giant said it would no longer provide software updates for the original Meta Quest 1 VR headset – previously called the Oculus Quest.
Released in 2019, the headset was one of the first to offer head tracking and six degrees of motion – but will now be phased out of Meta’s growing VR line-up.
Die-hard fans will still be able to play and download apps so long as developers continue to support them, but Meta warns there could be severe security consequences.
And on social media, outraged customers have begged Mark Zuckerberg to rethink the decision, which comes into effect at the end of August.
Meta has today outraged fans as it announces the end of support for the popular Meta Quest 1 headset (pictured)
On social media, fans of the headset have reacted with outrage at the news they will no longer receive support from Meta
On Reddit one furious customer wrote: ‘A great tragedy befalls this day.’
Another posted: ‘This is really too bad – I am still enjoying using my quest, I see how much nicer the new ones are but I cant afford a new one.’
The Reddit user continued: ‘I feel like Meta should do at least the bare minimum of fixing security halls for older hardware.
‘Only just over five years old at this point.’
Meta had previously signalled the winding down of Meta Quest 1 as it announced in January of last year 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However, the removal of security updates for the now outdated headset came as a surprise to many fans.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’d like to let you know that starting August 31, 2024, we will no longer provide bug fixes or security updates for Meta Quest 1 headsets.’
Many gaming fans were surprised at the news they would no longer receive security or patch updates for their devices
In an email sent to original customers, Meta announced it would no longer be providing software or security updates for the headset
In the email Meta added: ‘You will still be able to download new apps and continue using your existing apps as long as they are supported by the developer.’
This means original customers will still be able to use any games or apps they’ve purchased through the Meta store.
However, some developers, such as the creators of Beat Saber, have already announced they will be ending support for the Meta Quest 1.
Although customers will still be able to continue using their existing headsets, Meta also issued a stark warning about the dangers of doing so.
Meta wrote: ‘If any security vulnerabilities are detected in the future, private data that is directly stored on the device are accessible from it would be at risk of compromise.’
Originally released in 2019 the Meta Quest won was one of the first headsets to provide wireless VR experiences. Furious fans have taken to social media to ask Mark Zuckerberg (pictured using 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 Beat Saber (pictured) have announced they will no longer support the older headset
Many cyber criminals operate by exploiting vulnerabilities in old or out-of-date software since known security weaknesses are often shared widely on the internet.
Without continuous updates to fix these issues, Meta Quest 1 owners could be putting their personal data at risk by using the headset.
However, there is still hope for fans of VR as this announcement comes amid rumours of a new headset’s release.
In the same email, Meta wrote: ‘We’re excited about the future of Meta Quest and look forward to providing you with more groundbreaking MR [mixed reality] experiences.’
In October last year, Meta released the more advanced Meta Quest 3 virtual and mixed reality headset.
On 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.
The end of support for the Meta Quest 1 (pictured) comes amid rumours of the release of the Meta Quest 3S
Meta is now widely believed to be preparing the release of the Meta Quest 3S, a cheaper, lighter alternative to the Meta Quest 3.
The name Quest 3S appeared in a digital software store operated by Meta and chief technical officer Andrew Bosworth appeared to accidentally showcase the headset in a recent video.
The sudden removal of support for the matter quest one also coincides with a wind down in sales for the Meta Quest 2 as the device is now out of stock for many areas on Meta’s website.
If the rumoured release is true, matter may be gambling that VR-enthusiasts could be tempted to upgrade from the Meta Quest 1 to a cheaper and far more powerful model.
