Bring Relief to the Disabled with Lying Down mode on Meta Quest Devices
Bring Relief to the Disabled with Lying Down mode on Meta Quest Devices
The Issue
Imagine you had the power to change the lives of millions of people, bringing them relief from pain and access to essential human needs, all the while augmenting your own product with something you've already developed. Would you do it?
Of course right?
619 million people are believed to suffer from lower back pain (WHO). And that's just one of the many (generally painful) reasons why someone might need to spend extended periods lying down.
Great, problem solved, lie down.
...
Okay now what?
When you have to lie down for extended periods, your life is destined to crumble. It's incredibly isolating, and limiting. Perhaps that's why chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain result in suicide rates double that of the normal population.
How can you work on your back? How can you socialise on your back? How can you live on your back?
The vast majority of solutions require the neck learn how to spend 24/7 at a right angle, think laptops, think phones. This is just asking for trouble, necks aren't meant for that (especially since a lot of the health issues in question are spinal).
The rest, such as projectors or ceiling mounted displays require advanced setup or very specific conditions. For example, it needs to be dark for a projector to work optimally, and a lot of people who are bed bound aren't in a great position to get the drill out and mount a TV.
There is, however, 1 extremely promising technology which could be of life-changing impact to this demographic.
Virtual Reality Headsets.
Virtual reality is often treated as a fad by it's detractors, and is treated as a toy by it's fans. However, for the bed bound it is quite literally a life saving device.
Furthermore one of the main long term usage concerns for vr headsets, the weight of it hanging off the front of the face, is hugely mitigated by this posture.
Meta is the first brand most people think of when they hear about VR (though recently Apple has made some big waves). Meta offers a relatively affordable option that can function without a PC and offers advanced and high quality features relative to the competition, most specifically in their Meta Quest 3 VR Headset. The standard strap for the headset is even manageably comfortable when lying down looking up. Their other headsets, the Quest 2 and Quest Pro are also popular options. These devices have extremely limited functionality while lying down. While the recenter feature allows for the interface to appear above the user, and this feature is extremely helpful and should be celebrated, this is where accessibility ends. The vast majority of the devices features, such as work applications, games and social experiences require a seated or standing position.
But here's the crazy thing... Device features were once accessible to all!
In version 53 of the quest's operating software a "lying down mode" was introduced as an accessibility feature. Many users rejoiced at the update, after all even your average user might like to kick back now and then.
It was then, however, removed on the premise that various fixes required implementation. It has been more than 3 months and 7 new versions since it's removal, and the most recent update to the community echos the position that it was given on the day of removal. Bug fixes, and we don't know if or when it will return for sure.
But the thing is, IT WORKED. And during that version, people who would have otherwise suffered continually were able to experience relief. They were able to work, they were able to play, they were able to socialise and all of that in comfort for the first time in a long time.
This makes either the testing methodology of this feature or the removal justification of this feature downright inhumane. It is cruel to tantalise the suffering with relief then take it away without any timeframe for return. It was recognised as an accessibility feature in its implementation, but it seems very little care or thought was given to the feelings of the suffering when that accessibility and relief was to be stripped away from them.
Regardless, these things are in the past, what the suffering want is relief, and Meta has everything they need to provide it with a snap of the fingers. We don't care about perfection, if it's buggy then slap an "experimental" disclaimer on it as is the case with other features (experimental features can be found in settings). Even the basics like using browser while looking directly up is a huge step for our productivity.
Meta, we have purchased your product, we support your development and align with your belief in VR as one of the key technologies of the future. Please support us, help us get our lives back. Millions of people around the world need this technology to help manage their medical conditions. Whether they are recovering from surgery or are permanently disabled, the market is huge and ready to try anything for relief. People are losing their jobs, their friends and in some cases their lives because of preventable isolation and pain. Implement the lying down mode (in some manner however limited) in the next version update. Please.
(And for the average user it's a very in demand feature anyway, most are shocked it isn't a thing).
Here's what users had to say about the feature:
From Reddit Comments:
https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/s/Fc1aGYykux
"This would be amazing for a VR program at children's hospitals"
"Wow after spending 10.000.000.000$ on useless features Meta finally rolled out something useful. �"
"It's stuff like this why I think I will continue to buy meta headsets over other companies . They have hands down the best software and support that work towards getting maximum potential out of their headsets"
"One of the best features, so chill."
From Reddit Post and Comments (this post regards the Quest 2):
https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/s/Vbp1whQr6X
"Due to a bone condition, I have to use everything including oculus lying down on my back.
There used to be an Accessibility mode in settings, under Mobilty, that was named Lying Down Mode in V53. Even had height adjustment. It was amazing. Lay down, look up, hold Oculus button, BOOM!, now the menu is above you, and you can still play games. Brings a whole different feeling of immersion when playing. I loved using the Oculus.
But after updating to the current software version, this mode is GONE! I can now only use my oculus to browse the web and watch videos on skybox players, but none of the games allow you to rotate the view so that you can use the device lying down. Playing action and shooting games while lying down is an absolute thrill. God how I wish it was still around so I could play Resident Evil 4. I updated just to be able to play this game only to find out that Meta removed the one feature that allowed me to play games on my Oculus.
Its sad that such a useful feature found way back in v53 in no longer available to people who needed it and found it the only way to play 99% of Oculus apps/games."
"Meta is amazing at making decisions that do not need to be made. Im so sorry this has happened"
"Meta has to bring this back. It was very useful."
"I'm in the same boat, 31 with two stage 4 pressure sores and bone infections. I can sit for about 30 minutes without pain and can't stand. Lying down mode is the only option I have and I'm hoping the meta quest 3 has it or I'm back to nothing. Can't use a laptop even, it's been hellish."
"I have a damaged spine I just found out. We need this feature back"
"Please bring it back, I had a stroke a few years ago and this feature was a God send"
"A big corp that sells itself as an inclusivity ambassador and then not only cuts out the people who would benefit the most from a way to escape their painful everyday life, but it does so after giving them hope.
This is not a mockery, this is PURE EVIL.
Nothing new under the sun btw, that's always the case with big corps: lies, deceitfulness, exploiting, MONEY."
From YouTube Comments:
https://youtu.be/omfRzBmR_fQ?si=kLCujbp9W1YgNzV2
"I'm disabled and can't sit or stand for long. The way this would change my life. I wish it would be put into the headset already!"
"Lying down is the best improvement yet!"
"i am old so this is a blessing....thanks for this news."
From Meta Forums:
"Adding my voice here. I have a condition that makes sitting and standing intolerably painful, sometimes for months at a time. I've also purchased every Quest since the original Rift, so I've supported the company faithfully nearly since its birth. And I'm dumbfounded to see Meta going out of their way to make accommodations for users with the most trivial complaints, while completely ignoring users with legitimately serious problems. Not only does this show moral confusion in priorities, it's a slap in the face to faithful, longtime supporters like myself. "
"Dear Meta Quest Support,
Obviously there is ALOT of interest in this feature returning. Since it was present in V53 but then discontinued in subsequent versions it has caused many users significant frustration. I am a surgeon and perform most of my surgeries with my patients awake using only local anesthetic. I often have them use our Meta Quest2 for relaxation during their procedure. The lack of the laying down feature is a significant drawback to your systems widespread use for this purpose. Additionally, many of my colleagues have tried using it in the hospital setting for patients, but those that need it the most, the ones that can't even sit up, have sadly been forgotten or ignored by Meta. Please make sure this message gets to Dr. Chang (Mark's wife). I am glad she is interested in using their great wealth to help the world with research grants, etc. but she could do immense good for patients all over the world if she could just have her husband reinstate that feature. It's great that Meta wants to create an amazing virtual world, but shouldn't they make a "virtual ramp" now for all those who want to experience VR lying down?"
From the Media:
https://www.androidcentral.com/gaming/virtual-reality/quest-v53-update-lying-down-mode
Victory
The Issue
Imagine you had the power to change the lives of millions of people, bringing them relief from pain and access to essential human needs, all the while augmenting your own product with something you've already developed. Would you do it?
Of course right?
619 million people are believed to suffer from lower back pain (WHO). And that's just one of the many (generally painful) reasons why someone might need to spend extended periods lying down.
Great, problem solved, lie down.
...
Okay now what?
When you have to lie down for extended periods, your life is destined to crumble. It's incredibly isolating, and limiting. Perhaps that's why chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain result in suicide rates double that of the normal population.
How can you work on your back? How can you socialise on your back? How can you live on your back?
The vast majority of solutions require the neck learn how to spend 24/7 at a right angle, think laptops, think phones. This is just asking for trouble, necks aren't meant for that (especially since a lot of the health issues in question are spinal).
The rest, such as projectors or ceiling mounted displays require advanced setup or very specific conditions. For example, it needs to be dark for a projector to work optimally, and a lot of people who are bed bound aren't in a great position to get the drill out and mount a TV.
There is, however, 1 extremely promising technology which could be of life-changing impact to this demographic.
Virtual Reality Headsets.
Virtual reality is often treated as a fad by it's detractors, and is treated as a toy by it's fans. However, for the bed bound it is quite literally a life saving device.
Furthermore one of the main long term usage concerns for vr headsets, the weight of it hanging off the front of the face, is hugely mitigated by this posture.
Meta is the first brand most people think of when they hear about VR (though recently Apple has made some big waves). Meta offers a relatively affordable option that can function without a PC and offers advanced and high quality features relative to the competition, most specifically in their Meta Quest 3 VR Headset. The standard strap for the headset is even manageably comfortable when lying down looking up. Their other headsets, the Quest 2 and Quest Pro are also popular options. These devices have extremely limited functionality while lying down. While the recenter feature allows for the interface to appear above the user, and this feature is extremely helpful and should be celebrated, this is where accessibility ends. The vast majority of the devices features, such as work applications, games and social experiences require a seated or standing position.
But here's the crazy thing... Device features were once accessible to all!
In version 53 of the quest's operating software a "lying down mode" was introduced as an accessibility feature. Many users rejoiced at the update, after all even your average user might like to kick back now and then.
It was then, however, removed on the premise that various fixes required implementation. It has been more than 3 months and 7 new versions since it's removal, and the most recent update to the community echos the position that it was given on the day of removal. Bug fixes, and we don't know if or when it will return for sure.
But the thing is, IT WORKED. And during that version, people who would have otherwise suffered continually were able to experience relief. They were able to work, they were able to play, they were able to socialise and all of that in comfort for the first time in a long time.
This makes either the testing methodology of this feature or the removal justification of this feature downright inhumane. It is cruel to tantalise the suffering with relief then take it away without any timeframe for return. It was recognised as an accessibility feature in its implementation, but it seems very little care or thought was given to the feelings of the suffering when that accessibility and relief was to be stripped away from them.
Regardless, these things are in the past, what the suffering want is relief, and Meta has everything they need to provide it with a snap of the fingers. We don't care about perfection, if it's buggy then slap an "experimental" disclaimer on it as is the case with other features (experimental features can be found in settings). Even the basics like using browser while looking directly up is a huge step for our productivity.
Meta, we have purchased your product, we support your development and align with your belief in VR as one of the key technologies of the future. Please support us, help us get our lives back. Millions of people around the world need this technology to help manage their medical conditions. Whether they are recovering from surgery or are permanently disabled, the market is huge and ready to try anything for relief. People are losing their jobs, their friends and in some cases their lives because of preventable isolation and pain. Implement the lying down mode (in some manner however limited) in the next version update. Please.
(And for the average user it's a very in demand feature anyway, most are shocked it isn't a thing).
Here's what users had to say about the feature:
From Reddit Comments:
https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/s/Fc1aGYykux
"This would be amazing for a VR program at children's hospitals"
"Wow after spending 10.000.000.000$ on useless features Meta finally rolled out something useful. �"
"It's stuff like this why I think I will continue to buy meta headsets over other companies . They have hands down the best software and support that work towards getting maximum potential out of their headsets"
"One of the best features, so chill."
From Reddit Post and Comments (this post regards the Quest 2):
https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/s/Vbp1whQr6X
"Due to a bone condition, I have to use everything including oculus lying down on my back.
There used to be an Accessibility mode in settings, under Mobilty, that was named Lying Down Mode in V53. Even had height adjustment. It was amazing. Lay down, look up, hold Oculus button, BOOM!, now the menu is above you, and you can still play games. Brings a whole different feeling of immersion when playing. I loved using the Oculus.
But after updating to the current software version, this mode is GONE! I can now only use my oculus to browse the web and watch videos on skybox players, but none of the games allow you to rotate the view so that you can use the device lying down. Playing action and shooting games while lying down is an absolute thrill. God how I wish it was still around so I could play Resident Evil 4. I updated just to be able to play this game only to find out that Meta removed the one feature that allowed me to play games on my Oculus.
Its sad that such a useful feature found way back in v53 in no longer available to people who needed it and found it the only way to play 99% of Oculus apps/games."
"Meta is amazing at making decisions that do not need to be made. Im so sorry this has happened"
"Meta has to bring this back. It was very useful."
"I'm in the same boat, 31 with two stage 4 pressure sores and bone infections. I can sit for about 30 minutes without pain and can't stand. Lying down mode is the only option I have and I'm hoping the meta quest 3 has it or I'm back to nothing. Can't use a laptop even, it's been hellish."
"I have a damaged spine I just found out. We need this feature back"
"Please bring it back, I had a stroke a few years ago and this feature was a God send"
"A big corp that sells itself as an inclusivity ambassador and then not only cuts out the people who would benefit the most from a way to escape their painful everyday life, but it does so after giving them hope.
This is not a mockery, this is PURE EVIL.
Nothing new under the sun btw, that's always the case with big corps: lies, deceitfulness, exploiting, MONEY."
From YouTube Comments:
https://youtu.be/omfRzBmR_fQ?si=kLCujbp9W1YgNzV2
"I'm disabled and can't sit or stand for long. The way this would change my life. I wish it would be put into the headset already!"
"Lying down is the best improvement yet!"
"i am old so this is a blessing....thanks for this news."
From Meta Forums:
"Adding my voice here. I have a condition that makes sitting and standing intolerably painful, sometimes for months at a time. I've also purchased every Quest since the original Rift, so I've supported the company faithfully nearly since its birth. And I'm dumbfounded to see Meta going out of their way to make accommodations for users with the most trivial complaints, while completely ignoring users with legitimately serious problems. Not only does this show moral confusion in priorities, it's a slap in the face to faithful, longtime supporters like myself. "
"Dear Meta Quest Support,
Obviously there is ALOT of interest in this feature returning. Since it was present in V53 but then discontinued in subsequent versions it has caused many users significant frustration. I am a surgeon and perform most of my surgeries with my patients awake using only local anesthetic. I often have them use our Meta Quest2 for relaxation during their procedure. The lack of the laying down feature is a significant drawback to your systems widespread use for this purpose. Additionally, many of my colleagues have tried using it in the hospital setting for patients, but those that need it the most, the ones that can't even sit up, have sadly been forgotten or ignored by Meta. Please make sure this message gets to Dr. Chang (Mark's wife). I am glad she is interested in using their great wealth to help the world with research grants, etc. but she could do immense good for patients all over the world if she could just have her husband reinstate that feature. It's great that Meta wants to create an amazing virtual world, but shouldn't they make a "virtual ramp" now for all those who want to experience VR lying down?"
From the Media:
https://www.androidcentral.com/gaming/virtual-reality/quest-v53-update-lying-down-mode
Victory
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Petition created on 1 February 2024