Update v76 for Quest introduces Live Captions compatible with all applications, including those in VR, and removes the option to uninstall Horizon Worlds.
This update, like other Meta Horizon OS changes, will be distributed gradually, meaning it may take days or even weeks for every headset to receive the v76 update. Moreover, some features may be released separately from the primary update, so even if you have the v76 update, not all listed features might be available yet.
Introducing Live Captions
Since version 56, the Quest has been providing captions in selected 2D applications within the system’s home environment, such as Meta Quest TV and the store.
However, with the new v76 update, the accessibility feature is now termed Live Captions and functions across all applications, including immersive VR games.
When turned on, users will see a small floating panel displaying real-time transcriptions of any audio within the application, including voice chats from other players in multiplayer environments. This feature is akin to what Apple introduced in visionOS 2, but lacks support for microphone audio.
The v76 update also introduces an experimental feature that allows the AI live transcription model to be downloaded directly to your headset, enabling on-device processing for Live Captions.
It is worth noting that Live Captions will not appear in screenshots or video captures.
Horizon Worlds Becomes Integrated
The Meta Horizon Worlds application has been simplified to “Worlds” with the v76 update, and the ability to uninstall it has been removed.
Meta explains this change as a move towards integrating Horizon Worlds more closely within the Horizon platform experience. It remains unclear if this change reflects a deeper software integration or simply reflects the removal of the uninstall option.
For several years, Meta has been gradually merging Horizon Worlds into the Quest system software.
In 2023, the company renamed the default Explore panel to Horizon Feed and began promoting various worlds, established a specific Worlds tab in the Library, and unified the text chat functions.
Last year, the Meta Quest smartphone companion application was rebranded as Meta Horizon, highlighting worlds over applications in its primary interface.
Numerous Quest app developers have reported a loss of visibility for their applications following these alterations, and many users have conveyed to UploadVR that they uninstalled Horizon Worlds to avoid unsolicited world recommendations.
With the inability to uninstall Worlds now a reality, that option is no longer available.
Advertiser-Specific Device Identifiers
Version 76 also rolls out a distinctive device identifier meant for advertisers to “provide you with ads more pertinent to your interests on Meta Horizon OS,” according to Meta.
“You have the option to enable or disable your advertising ID at any time via the Settings menu on your headset,” mentions Meta.