New Meta Quest Super Resolution provides sharper graphics

Picture: Meta

Meta just announced Super Resolution for the Quest platform, a non-AI version, coming in v55 to provide developers with an option for sharper graphics.

Meta keeps improving its current VR headsets even as we prepare to learn more about the upcoming, higher-resolution Quest 3 in September. Meta gave Quest 2 and Quest Pro a significant performance boost in June, and another upgrade is already here.

Meta Quest Super Resolution

Meta Quest Super Resolution (MQSR) is the result of a collaboration with Qualcomm’s Graphics Team. Combining Snapdragon Game Super Resolution, introduced in April 2023, with “Meta Quest-specific performance optimizations,” Quest headsets will use “edge-aware scaling and sharpening” to enhance image quality.

Most VR games render at lower than display resolution to keep frame rates fast enough to prevent lag and provide a good user experience. MQSR usually offers better and faster results than standard bilinear scaling.

Meta gave an example of its new Super Resolution (right) versus default (left) and normal sharpening. |Image: Meta

Developers must enable this feature before it takes effect since some tradeoffs exist. While MQSR “provides smoother edge reconstruction and reduces halo artifacts,” it does tax the GPU performance in highly detailed areas.

How to enable MQSR

For Quest Link, you can enable MQSR in the Oculus Debug Tool by setting Link Sharpening to “Quality.” Depending on the rendered content, this setting delivers up to two times faster sharpening and better results.

How to enable Meta Quest Super Resolution in the Oculus Debug Tool. | Picture: Meta

Game developers can use the XR_FB_composition_layer settings OpenXR extension or enable the feature in Unity via OVROverlay or OVRManager.

VR gamers will have to wait for the Quest v55 update to roll out and for developers to update their games. Eventually, Quest 2 and Quest Pro owners might see yet another improvement, a nice gift from Meta.

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