Meta is going to scrap one of its most beloved devices – as angry fans beg Mark Zuckerberg to support the hardware longer

Metafans are furious after the company announced it is ending support for one of its biggest products.

In an email to customers, the tech giant said it would no longer provide software updates for the original Meta Quest 1 VR headset, formerly known as Oculus Quest.

The headset was released in 2019 and was one of the first to offer head tracking and six degrees of motion. However, the headset will now be removed from Meta’s growing VR lineup.

Die-hard fans can still play and download apps, as long as developers continue to support them. However, Meta warns that this could have serious security implications.

And on social media, angry customers are begging Mark Zuckerberg to reconsider the decision, which takes effect at the end of August.

On Reddit, one angry customer wrote: “A great tragedy occurred today.”

Another wrote: ‘This is really a shame – I still like my quest and I can see the new ones are much nicer, but I can’t afford a new one.’

The Reddit user continued, “I think Meta should at least implement the bare minimum of security features for older hardware.

‘At the moment he is only just over five years old.’

Meta previously announced that Meta Quest 1 would be discontinued. In January of last year, the company announced that it would no longer release new apps and features for the device.

However, the removal of security updates for the now-outdated headset came as a surprise to many fans.

Meta wrote in an email: “We want to let you know that effective August 31, 2024, we will no longer provide bug fixes or security updates for Meta Quest 1 headsets.”

In the email, Meta added, “You can still download new apps and continue to use your existing apps, as long as they are supported by the developer.”

This means that original customers can still use the games and apps they purchased through the Meta Store.

However, some developers, such as the makers of Beat Saber, have already announced that they will end support for Meta Quest 1.

While customers can still continue to use their current headsets, Meta also strongly warned of the dangers this entails.

Meta wrote: ‘If security vulnerabilities are discovered in the future, private data stored directly on and accessible from the device could be at risk.’

Many cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in old or outdated software, as known security holes are often shared widely on the Internet.

Without continued updates to address these issues, Meta Quest 1 owners may be putting their personal data at risk by using the headset.

There is still hope for VR fans, however, as this announcement comes amid rumors surrounding the release of a new headset.

In the same email, Meta wrote, “We are excited about the future of Meta Quest and look forward to bringing you even more groundbreaking mixed reality (MR) experiences.”

In October last year, Meta released the more advanced Meta Quest 3 virtual and mixed reality headset.

At launch, Meta claimed the headset would combine physical and digital reality, allowing customers to “play a virtual piano on their coffee table” or “open a portal in their living room.”

However, at $499 (£479), the Meta Quest 3 was too expensive for many customers.

It is now widely believed that Meta is preparing to release the Meta Quest 3S, a cheaper and lighter alternative to the Meta Quest 3.

The Quest 3S name appeared on a Meta digital software store, and engineering director Andrew Bosworth appeared to accidentally show off the headset in a recent video.

The sudden discontinuation of support for the Matter Quest One also coincides with a drop in sales of the Meta Quest 2, as the device is now out of stock in many areas on Meta’s website.

If the release rumors are true, chances are VR enthusiasts will be tempted to upgrade from the Meta Quest 1 to a cheaper, much more powerful model.