Meta released a web tool letting you force update your Quest headset to the latest system software version.
The new Meta Quest Software Update Tool is a webpage that uses the WebUSB API to sideload the latest update to your USB-connected Quest headset.
WebUSB works on Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, and even Android via Chromium browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Samsung Internet. That means you can use the Meta Quest Software Update Tool on almost any host device except an iPhone or iPad, and if you're using a Mac you'll need to use a browser other than Safari.
It's a pretty decent mid-level system that's actually affordable. There are worse options for a little less or the same price, and better options that are pretty pricey.
It could be even better if someone manages to hack it and make a custom OS tho... It's capable of doing a lot more through apps than it allows to be done just through the system and there's a fuckton of things that should just be part of the default experience.
Remember when the Rift and early OG Quest weren't chained to shitty software forced by Facebook? Oculus was once the gold standard in value for dollar VR experience. Arguably still is - if you intend to use it for half a year after purchase and never again.
Don't buy Meta VR sets:
parts tend to break in time with no easy/existing replacement (ex. Rift S adjustment wheel, specialized unbuyable cable), shitty customer service, they phase out support for perfectly working sets (Quest 1), and their required software enshittifies every year (third party alternatives like OcuTrayTool worked for me before but idk now).
signed, former Oculus fan who used them for work and personally bought a Rift S (RIP my beloved)
The Pico 4 has absurdly durable hardware for a cheaper price too (check out the 1 year after reviews/drop tests compared to Quest 2/3 sets), I'd be so sad if Pico exits the cheap VR market after 4S.
At what point was the OG Quest not chained to Metas shitty software? Are you talking about their operating system or games/content, or account to login?