Meta is expanding the capabilities of its Hyperscape technology, allowing users to invite others into highly detailed virtual replicas of real-world spaces. The update marks a shift from the previously solitary experience, enabling shared exploration through Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets or the Meta Horizon mobile app. The rollout begins this week and will continue gradually over the coming months.
Shared Hyperscape rooms introduced
Hyperscape uses the cameras on the Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets to scan a physical room and create a photorealistic digital replica. Until now, these virtual spaces could only be visited alone, whether users were exploring a copy of their own living room or taking a virtual stroll through Gordon Ramsay’s home kitchen.
Meta has now confirmed that users will be able to share links that let others join them inside these recreated environments. Up to eight people can enter the same Hyperscape world at once, with Meta aiming to increase this limit in future updates. The company is also shifting rendering to the device itself and introducing audio within Hyperscape rooms to create more lifelike interactions.
Despite the excitement, Meta warns that not everyone will receive the update immediately. In its announcement, the company asked users to “please sit tight” if the feature has not yet appeared. Meta spokesperson Rachel Holm stated that the rollout will reach “all users over the next few months.” She also noted that once the feature becomes available to an individual user, they will need to rescan their chosen space before creating a shareable virtual room.
Part of Meta’s wider metaverse strategy
The introduction of shared rooms forms part of Meta’s broader vision for an evolving metaverse that blends real-world environments with digital experiences. In its blog post, the company emphasised the value of providing both immersive fantasy worlds and accurate virtual replicas of familiar spaces. It wrote:
“As the metaverse continues to take shape, we think a vibrant mix of experiences is key. Some days you might want to immerse yourself in an otherworldly adventure, which is where our vast library of VR apps and worlds comes into play. And on other days, you might want to visit a digital replica of a physical space you might not otherwise have the opportunity to see. Or you might want to spend quality time with friends, someplace a little closer to home.
“That’s what Hyperscape makes possible. By bringing you together in realistic digital replicas of physical spaces with the people who matter most, Hyperscape can make your experiences in the metaverse more meaningful and fun. In the future, we’re excited to see what creators build by mixing styles and approaches.”
Early demonstrations show strong visual quality
Early demonstrations of Hyperscape have shown impressive results, with rooms captured using the Hyperscape Capture app displaying remarkable levels of detail. Those who have tested the technology reported photorealistic environments that closely match the physical spaces they were modelled from.
A YouTube video demonstration provides a clear example of the visual fidelity achievable with Hyperscape. According to users who have experienced the feature firsthand, the rooms look very similar to the scenes shown in the video.
As Meta continues refining its metaverse technologies, shared Hyperscape rooms represent a significant step toward creating more social and immersive virtual environments grounded in the real world.
