Meta Introduces Hyperscape Capture for Quest 3 Series

At the latest Meta Connect event, the company announced Hyperscape Capture, an application that transforms the Quest 3 and Quest 3S into portable 3‑D scanners. By walking around a room with the headset’s outward‑facing cameras, users can record their environment in a matter of minutes. The app then processes the data using a Gaussian‑splatting technique, delivering a high‑fidelity, static representation of the space that can be explored in virtual reality.

How the Scanning Process Works

The scanning workflow is simple: a user dons the headset, activates the Capture app, and moves through the area they wish to digitize. The headset records depth and visual information, which is later converted into a point‑cloud mesh. Gaussian splatting, a method already employed by several companies for spatial capture, smooths the raw data into a seamless 3‑D model. The result is a “snapshot‑like” replica of the room—walls, furniture, and décor are all preserved, though the scene remains still without animated elements.

Features and Limitations

Currently, Hyperscape Capture supports private viewing only; scanned spaces can be explored by the user on the same device but cannot yet be shared with others. Meta has indicated that future updates will allow uploads to Horizon Worlds, where avatars could visit and interact within personal spaces. The static nature of the scans means there is no motion or dynamic lighting, but the visual quality is praised as comparable to high‑end spatial photography.

Positioning Within the VR Market

Meta’s approach contrasts with competitors such as Apple’s Vision Pro, which focuses on mixed‑reality experiences, and Google’s emerging spatial tools. By delivering high‑quality 3‑D capture on a headset priced around $300, Meta positions the Quest 3 series as a cost‑effective platform for both gaming and emerging telepresence applications. The company frames the technology as a stepping stone toward more immersive social experiences, where users could host virtual tours of their homes or collaborate in shared environments.

Future Outlook

Meta’s roadmap suggests that the captured spaces may eventually become part of Horizon Worlds, enabling a new class of user‑generated content. As avatars become more realistic, these personal scans could serve as a foundation for virtual meetings that feel like physical presence. The company’s continued investment in Gaussian‑splatting and on‑device processing underscores its commitment to democratizing spatial capture without requiring specialized equipment.

Conclusion

Hyperscape Capture demonstrates how Meta is leveraging its affordable VR hardware to push the boundaries of spatial digitization. While the current version offers only private, static experiences, the announced plans for Horizon World integration hint at a broader vision for social VR that blends personal spaces with shared virtual worlds.

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