Peripherals

While controllers and hands support crucial core interactions such as targeting, selection, and text input, many productivity and gaming scenarios that require higher precision and throughput can benefit from peripheral input devices.

Meta Quest devices support physical keyboards through a Bluetooth connection. This input modality allows users to input text quickly and efficiently, leveraging the familiarity and muscle memory of typing on a keyboard.

In Meta Horizon OS, a virtual system keyboard is displayed by default when a user selects a text input field. However, if a Bluetooth keyboard is paired and available, the virtual keyboard will not be displayed, as it expects text input to come from the Bluetooth keyboard. By selecting the floating keyboard button, the user can open the virtual keyboard and access functionalities such as emojis.

Since the keyboard is dedicated to text input, any targeting and selection method can be used in conjunction with the keyboard. For example, you can use the hand ray to target and select input fields on a browser or select a submit button while entering text with the keyboard.

In the immersive environment, Meta Horizon OS visualizes the keyboard to aid user discovery.

Meta Quest devices support physical mice through Bluetooth connection. Mouse input enables precise control over interactions, making it ideal for tasks like selecting small objects or navigating complex menus. Users are accustomed to using mice in traditional computing, making it an intuitive input method.

In Meta Horizon OS, the mouse cursor behaves like a PC cursor on 2D app panels. When moved over empty space between or outside these panels, the cursor follows the invisible extension of the panel surfaces, enabling natural movement and targeting in 3D space.

To overcome the limitations of 2D mouse movement, you can use the scroll wheel for z-axis movement. In Meta Horizon OS, simply click and hold the app panel’s handle, then use the scroll wheel to adjust its depth, moving it closer or farther away.

Stylus input allows the user to draw and sketch both on 2D surfaces or in 3D space. Stylus input offers high precision and accuracy, making it ideal for tasks like writing, drawing, and selecting small objects. Stylus input can be very intuitive, especially for users who are accustomed to using pens or pencils.

In Meta Horizon OS, the stylus input provides a ray originating from its tip, allowing users to interact with objects at a distance like controller rays. The stylus features a pressure-sensitive tip and button, offering analog control for scenarios like varying brush strokes.

Gamepad input is tailored for gaming with traditional console controllers. Gamepads provide precise control over movements and actions, ideal for games and applications needing accuracy. Many users are familiar with gamepad controls, easing adaptation. Designed for comfort and ergonomics, gamepads reduce fatigue and discomfort during long use.

Similar to the keyboard input, gamepad is used as an untargeted input method lacking targeting mechanism. Therefore the input is forwarded to a specific app or an experience selected by other input modality. The Xbox Cloud app uses the gamepad input for the entire experience, providing a way to navigate with the D-Pad.

In Meta Horizon OS, a gamepad provides alternative navigation, complemented by the headset’s gaze pointer. After turning on this feature under Settings > Devices > Gamepad, you can enable/disable this by pressing both View and Menu buttons. The A button confirms selections, and the thumbstick enables content scrolling. To compensate for the gamepad’s lack of spatial awareness, head movement targets objects with a cursor.

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