Meta announced a new update for the Horizon OS operating system that allows users of Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets to access the Disney 3D movie library via the Disney+ app. This step bridges a major gap in the entertainment content available for these devices, as access to this type of content was previously limited to restricted experiences or competing devices such as the Apple Vision Pro.
Viewing experience and technical limitations
The new service provides the ability to watch Marvel, Pixar, and the latest releases of the Star Wars franchise in 3D technology. The importance of this update stands out in supporting Avatar films in their high frame rate (HFR) versions, which offer visual depth that often surpasses traditional cinema screens thanks to the brightness of the headset screens compared to cinematic projection devices.
However, the experience faces some software limitations; the Horizon OS still lacks flexibility in controlling the display window size, forcing users to adhere to specific viewing environments (such as cinema mode) rather than having the freedom to fully resize the window. The report also noted that the built-in speakers in the headset lack the required audio depth, making the use of external headphones essential to obtain a complete audio experience.
Why this news matters
This update represents an attempt by Meta to enhance the entertainment value of its current headsets amid declining sales, and to provide a feature that was considered an exclusive selling point for other competitors. Although the update enriches the content library, the exclusion of Quest 2 headsets from this support raises questions about the company's strategy in supporting older devices, especially since there are no fundamental technical obstacles preventing the playback of this content on previous versions.
This step is also seen as technical preparation to welcome Meta's new virtual reality headsets expected to be launched in the spring of 2027, as the company seeks to establish an integrated software ecosystem for 3D content before releasing its upcoming devices.