The Oculus Quest 2 is probably the first of all the virtual reality headsets I’ve used over the years, which have been more than just expensive paper. However, there’s still a small catch that makes Facebook’s VR headsets slightly annoying for those of us with a lot of SteamVR games: You need to connect the headphones to your computer.
The USB-C cable included in the Oculus Quest 2 box is not very long, so you either have to buy it Oversized version of Oculus or pick up a compatible cable (longer) that will do the deed. However, if you can last just a little longer, you won’t even need it. As long as your wireless network is up to the task, you’ll be able to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your wireless desktop computer – as if you don’t need to physically connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your desktop. Both will only need to be on the same network (although I recommend a wired connection to your computer if you can handle it.)
The new feature, known as the Oculus Air Link, should appear (theoretically) as part of version 28 of the Oculus headset software. and the accompanying PC application. I say this hesitantly, as I’m running both of them right now and I don’t see the option yet. (I had to sign up beta testing of Oculus software to gain access, so the final public release may unlock that feature.)
However, before you start worrying, let’s talk about your network. In order for Oculus Quest 2 to talk smoothly with your desktop computer, you’ll want the best possible connection for your headphones. This means a wireless-needle setup. 5 GHz (two streams or AC1200) at least.
You will want to make sure your rift is connected to your 5 GHz network, which may require you to split your home configuration into separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks if you allow your router to use a single SSID for both. Like the Oculus notes: “Air Link performance may be affected if the Wi-Fi channel switches from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz during a session.”
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Lastly, you know you’ll probably want to be closer to the router – ideally in the same room – rather than a few rooms down from the router to get the best wireless performance possible. Oculus itself recommends that you do not move 20 feet away from the router, which means that this solution will not allow you to walk to and from the corners of the house while playing. (Although if you try this, be sure to turn on the Oculus Quest 2 wallpaper that shows you the real-world environment so you don’t kill yourself.)
As a reminder, you will need to update both Oculus Quest 2 and Oculus PC to use Air Link. In the headset, it’s as easy as pulling it up Settings> About and checking / installing available software updates.
You’ll probably be asked to connect your headset to start the upgrade, so make sure you’re within range of your desktop computer (and that USB-C cable is handy).
You’ll need to restart Oculus Quest 2 as part of the upgrade process, but you’ll be up and running again soon.
On the PC side, updating your application is as easy as launching it. When you do, you’ll receive a notification that an application update is ready, if any. And you can sign up for the public beta to gain access to features before the official debut by visiting Settings> Beta:
Once you’ve done both, you’ll do it (finally) you see an option to enable Air Link in this beta tab. After you have done this, fight with your helmet and pull up Settings> Experimental features.
This is where you can work Air Link also as soon as the feature is activated. Turn it on and you should be good to go after pairing your desktop computer with your headset. Remember that you have enabled the experimental feature, as you will need to disable it to disable Air Link if it is not provided as Enjoy an experience of connecting headphones directly to your computer. At that point, though, you’ll be able to adjust the Air Link’s bit rate directly from the Dash, so feel free to play around with the settings to get the best possible wireless VR experience on your network.