The go-to messaging application for billions of active users worldwide, WhatsApp, is a popular choice for personal and business communication. Now, the app extends its boundaries with the integration of virtual reality!
WhatsApp offered a sneak peek into its metaverse ambitions with the introduction of Avatars last year. Building upon that foundation, it is developing an update that will potentially enable users to connect their accounts with Meta Quest.
Formerly known as Oculus, the series of VR headsets were renamed Meta Quest after rebranding. This was after Meta acquired Oculus in 2014 for $2 billion. This acquisition allowed Facebook to integrate Oculus’ industry-leading VR capabilities into its ecosystem.
Meta Quest x Whatsapp
This exciting information was uncovered by WABetaInfo during their exploration of the latest beta version, 2.23.13.6. The integration is still in the development phase, and no official announcements have been made yet. A screenshot has been released, showcasing the progress achieved thus far.
However, the current beta version solely offers a preview of the setup process. It does not provide the functionality for testers to actively utilize the link or establish the connection.
This development follows Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement in 2022 regarding Ray-Ban Stories. Meta revealed the introduction of a range of new hands-free features.
These features include enabling users to make calls, receive message readouts, and send end-to-end encrypted messages via WhatsApp. It is worth noting that Meta had already integrated similar functionalities for Facebook Messenger in 2021.
The metaverse is evolving rapidly, and WhatsApp is committed to staying at the forefront of digital communication. As WhatsApp explores the possibilities of integrating with Meta Quest, users can look forward to a seamless experience. The potential for connecting WhatsApp accounts with Meta Quest opens up new avenues for communication within the metaverse.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has shown interest in advancements in virtual and augmented realities. For instance, it acquired Luxexcel to help creating lenses. Despite Meta’s general interest in VR and AR, the company discontinued its NFT initiatives on Instagram and Facebook earlier this year. However, the company is continuing to deal with metaverse by the aim of integrating WhatsApp with Meta Quest.