Hey everyone!
Cas here, and today.
We are covering an exciting new feature on Oculus Quest called App Lab.
This is a new way for developers to distribute apps directly to us, the consumers, via direct
links.
This means that you can easily install games or apps that are not on the Quest store just
by getting a link.
This is like a new way to ‘sideload’ (in quotes because it’s not sideloading), and
it probably won’t completely replace it either.
There are benefits and disadvantages, which I’m going to explain in this video.
I’ll also explain how to use App Lab, we’ll talk about it’s features, and we’re going
to talk about SideQuest’s role in this and its future.
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And now, join me beyond reality.
So the App Lab feature is part of the new Quest software update version 25.
It adds many improvements, which I will cover later, but today, I wanted to cover the best
feature added, which is App Lab.
It’s exciting as it allows a much easier and accessible way to play games not available
on the Quest store, but it’s not unlimited so let’s talk about its advantages and disadvantages.
- First, it’s more accessible as games on App Lab won’t need developer mode or sideloading
anymore - It’s easier to find these games as they
appear in your library instead of in the hidden ‘Unknown Sources’
- However, developers still need to go through an approval process.
There are still requirements, but it is more flexible for developers than getting their
games on the normal Quest store.
For example, games like Ancient Dungeon VR were only playable via sideloading, but now
available via App Lab.
So it is certain that we will get a lot more interesting games to play.
- But since there is still an approval process, there could still be games not available via
App Lab, so then sideloading on SideQuest is still the way to go.
But only time will tell for now how strict Oculus will be exactly.
So then what is SideQuest’s role in this?
Well, I occasionally chat with Shane, the developer of SideQuest, and he has told me
that they have been working closely with Oculus.
SideQuest rolled out a feature too that allows developers to add an App Lab URL to SideQuest.
This means, SideQuest will act as a directory for the App Lab games, which is excellent
for devs as SQ already has a huge reach.
But also great for us as there is one place to find all these games.
Kind of like a Google especially for these Quest games.
Plus, if there are unapproved games, then you can still use SideQuest to sideload.
If you don’t know how to sideload, by the way, I made a guide on this.
The link is below.
So I don’t think SideQuest is dead or that Oculus intends to take it over, which I hope
will stay like that.
FOREVER
Now let me show you how to install games & apps with App Lab.
It’s really simple.
All you need is the link from a developer; I’ve linked a couple of examples in the
description below.
To recognize if a game is from App Lab on SideQuest, you’ll see this button, ‘Oculus
App’, instead of the button ‘Install to headset.’
This is the link you need.
- Then just open the link in a browser.
- You’ll get a message that this is an app available through App Lab so that the game
is experimental or in development.
Just click ok here.
- Then make sure you’re logged in, and then click the blue button; some apps are free,
some apps are paid.
But this is the same process as with any app.
If you paid for the app or if it’s free, the blue button will disappear, meaning that
a request to install was sent to your Oculus Quest.
- Now if you put on your Quest.
The app will show up in the Apps library with a little ‘Concept’ tag on the thumbnail,
indicating an App Lab game.
I noticed this may take a minute sometimes, though.
But once it shows up, you can install & play the game like you usually do.
So the best thing about this is you don’t even need a PC for this anymore.
You can also do all this within Oculus Quest itself by going to the link via the Oculus
Quest browser and then doing the same steps.
Or open the link via your phone, that also works.
- But there is another added benefit is that App Lab games have access to regular Quest
game features.
Like I already says it shows up in your gallery, and these games will get automatic updates.
- It also adds more accessibility as you can also search App Lab games in the search field
inside your Quest.
You do need to fill out the exact name, but then you can find the game in the ‘App Lab’
section of the search results.
Now, this only shows up if you are on update 25.
Don’t worry if you don’t have it yet, I don’t either.
Like always, this is rolled out gradually by Oculus so you should get it in a few days.
To check if you have it, go in your Quest, Settings > General > About.
Here you can see what software version you are on, and if the update is available to
you, you can install it from there.
Like always, there is a way to manually update this once the firmware is available.
You can keep an eye out for this on this page on Reddit.
Do keep in mind this may cause problems with your Quest, so I recommend waiting to be sure.
If you want to know how to find the games now, I suggest checking out SideQuest.
Right now, SQ does not have a filter for App Lab specific games, but I spoke to the SQ
dev about this, and he says he’ll add it.
So that’s going to be nice.
There’s also Reddit page available that will be updated with App Lab games.
I also linked some App Lab games down below in the description for your convenience.
So elet me know what you think of this feature and if you have some App Lab recommendations
yourself.
Put them below as well.
Thanks for watching, I hope you’ll watch more to support us and a special thanks go
to all our Champions, especially these Patrons down below.
As always, VR on!