The Washington Post quoted Forrester research in a 2022 article regarding VR fitness, stating that 25% of American people online are interested in purchasing a VR headgear, with 18% expecting to use it largely for exercise. VR fitness is a burgeoning market, and Meta has introduced a handful of new health-related features for its Quest headgear that may persuade even more people to try it. The business has pushed out Health Connect connectivity for Android users, as well as the option to attach Bluetooth heart rate monitors with the gadget, according to The Verge.
According to a Meta spokesman, when linked with a compatible heart rate monitor, the Meta Quest Move overlay may show a user’s heart rate with minutes exercised and calories burnt on any game or app. The Garmin HRM-Dual and Polar H10 chest straps are currently the only known compatible monitors, however other brands and types (including smartwatches) may be able to link with the headset. Meta just cannot confirm if they will function with the Quest as planned.
In the meanwhile, Health Connect integration will allow customers to seamlessly sync VR exercises with their Android smartphone. Meta made people’s VR fitness numbers visible outside of their headsets for the first time last year when it enabled iOS users to sync their progress with Apple Health. Android users may now check their progress without having to activate the Quest.
The Health Connect API allows for the exchange of health and fitness data across devices and applications such as Samsung Health and MyFitnessPal. Users must first sync their Meta Quest Move data with the Meta Quest mobile app in order to enable the connection. They may do so by opening the VR Move app and selecting Settings. Users must then enable “Health Connect via Android” in the Connected Apps section of the Meta Quest mobile app.
It’s unknown if these functions will be included in the initial Quest model offered under the Oculus moniker. A few days ago, the business informed Quest 1 users that their gadgets would no longer receive additional features in the future. In addition, until 2024, Meta will only provide important security and bug fixes for the device.
