After using a single 24-inch monitor for years, I decided to upgrade my office setup. Instead of buying a traditional ultrawide monitor, I opted for a MetaQuest 3 VR headset, hoping to achieve a versatile, large-screen experience. As a software engineer with 15 years of experience, I'm sharing my experience coding with the MetaQuest 3, as someone almost completely new to VR.
First Impressions of the MetaQuest 3
Before purchasing, I had very little VR experience. The headset is surprisingly comfortable and lightweight at only 515 grams. It's suitable for extended use. Many users recommend replacing the default head strap, but given the initial cost, I'm holding off on that upgrade for now.
Connecting to a PC for Coding
There are several ways to connect a PC or laptop to the MetaQuest 3 for coding. I explored three main options: Quest Link, Virtual Desktop, and Meta Workrooms.
Quest Link
Quest Link allows you to render your PC's output within the VR environment. 1. Download the Quest app on your PC. 2. Connect the headset via a USB cable. 3. Enable Quest Link in the headset settings.
Once synced, your PC output is displayed in VR. However, there are two primary drawbacks to this method:
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Inability to See Keyboard and Mouse: This is a significant challenge unless you are a proficient touch typist.
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Static Background: The endlessly white room can be visually tiring and even cause headaches.
While VR technology is constantly updating, it currently lacks customization options in Quest Link.
Virtual Desktop
Virtual Desktop is a paid application that offers a more refined VR experience. The setup involves:
- Installing the Virtual Desktop app on the headset.
- Installing the Virtual Desktop Streamer on your PC.
- Entering your Meta username to pair the devices.
This app stands out due to its customizable virtual environments. I found the gaming room particularly appealing, wishing my actual office looked similar. Virtual Desktop allows you to code, edit videos, and browse the web within the immersive environment.
The ability to change the environment to a cinema or an apartment is a great feature. Controlling the environment can significantly impact mood and productivity. While customization is limited, the available options are a powerful tool. I did experience some latency, likely due to my router's location, but a wired connection should resolve this.
Meta Workrooms
I had high hopes for Meta Workrooms, but I encountered significant issues. I consistently received an error message when trying to sign up, and the app displayed a blank screen. The unreliability of Workrooms was disappointing, especially if Meta envisions it as the future of work.
Coding in VR: Final Thoughts
After spending a couple of weeks coding in VR using the MetaQuest 3, I've concluded that it's not yet a daily solution for me. The inability to see my keyboard is a major obstacle.
If Virtual Desktop could render a virtual keyboard and mouse, it would greatly improve the experience. The Quest's hand tracking is good, so it might be possible to implement this feature. While I hoped for deep, focused work in VR, the current flaws prevent this.
Despite these issues, I'm excited about the future of VR. I'm curious about the upcoming Apple Vision Pro and believe that VR/AR will become commonplace in personal and professional lives within the next 5-10 years. If you're skeptical about VR, I encourage you to try it. It's a fascinating experience, even with its current limitations.