All NewsEducationTV
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
All NewsHome
← Back to AI & Technology

New bootloader grants full control over Meta Quest headsets

Created at 25 Aug · 4:11 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Tinkerers have developed a new bootloader that allows users to gain full control over original Meta Quest headsets, bypassing Meta's servers and unlocking previously unavailable features. This exploit could enable higher refresh rates and compatibility with other VR controllers.

Key Numbers

90Hzpotential refresh rate
72Hzcurrent refresh rate
2019year Carmack admitted 90Hz was held back
2021year Carmack released Oculus Go root access update

Who's Involved

Meta
manufacturer of Quest VR headsets
John Carmack
Meta's former CTO who released Oculus Go root access update
starseed12345
QuestStack author speculating on Quest 2 exploit
New bootloader grants full control over Meta Quest headsets

↳ Why This Matters

This development empowers users to customize and extend the functionality of their Meta Quest headsets beyond the manufacturer's intended limitations, potentially revitalizing older hardware and fostering a more open VR ecosystem.

Key facts

  • A new bootloader allows users to gain full control over original Meta Quest headsets.
  • This exploit enables users to bypass Meta's servers and apps.
  • The bootloader could unlock features like a 90Hz refresh rate.
  • There are ongoing projects to make other VR controllers compatible with the Quest.
  • A similar exploit might work on Quest 2 with older firmware but risks bricking the device.

    • Tinkerers have developed a new bootloader that allows users to gain full control over original Meta Quest headsets, effectively freeing them from Meta's servers and applications. This privilege escalation attack grants "full control" over the hardware.

    This development opens the door to unlocking previously unavailable features. Users may be able to activate the 90Hz refresh rate, which Meta's former CTO John Carmack admitted in 2019 was intentionally limited to 72Hz in the operating system for performance reasons. Additionally, projects are in progress to enable compatibility with other VR controllers for the Quest hardware.

    In 2021, Carmack released an official "full root access" update for the Oculus Go, the Quest's predecessor. He expressed hope that this update would allow tinkerers to repurpose the hardware and ensure its long-term usability even after official server support ends.

    QuestStack author starseed12345 has speculated on GitHub that a similar exploit could potentially enable root access on Quest 2 headsets running older firmware versions. However, they caution that currently, the risk of bricking the device outweighs the benefits of unlocking the bootloader.

    Frequently asked questions

    A bootloader is a small program that runs when a device is first turned on. It initializes the hardware and loads the operating system.

    Full control means users can modify the system software, install custom firmware, and access all hardware features without manufacturer restrictions.

    John Carmack stated in 2019 that the 90Hz refresh rate was held back to 72Hz in the operating system for performance reasons on the original Quest.

    What Happens Next

    01Further development of the bootloader for Quest 2 compatibility.
    02Exploration of additional features unlockable via root access.

    How It Developed

    A new bootloader has been developed for Meta Quest headsets.
    This exploit grants users full control over the hardware.
    The bootloader allows users to bypass Meta's servers and apps.
    Potential features include activating a 90Hz refresh rate.
    Projects are underway to enable compatibility with other VR controllers.
    A similar exploit may exist for Quest 2 on older firmware, but carries a high risk of bricking the device.

    Sources

    T1
    New bootloader lets you take the “Meta” out of the original Meta Questvar abtest_2168974 = new ABTest(2168974, 'impression');Ars Technica

    Related Stories

    AliExpress using outdated audio fingerprinting technique
    24 Aug · 7:25 PM
    Monitors are increasingly pushing ads and tracking users, mirroring smart TV trends
    24 Aug · 8:20 PM
    Apple unveils Mac Studio, Mac mini with M5 Ultra and M6 chips for AI
    25 Aug · 1:12 PM
    AI is disproportionately impacting entry-level jobs, Stanford study finds
    24 Aug · 9:51 PM
    Fake Grand Theft Auto VI demo is malware, cybersecurity firm warns
    25 Aug · 4:15 PM