
Workshops are more than just learning sessions—they’re a chance to collaborate with industry experts and refine your skills to turn your XR ideas into reality. But where do you begin? Whether you’re a student exploring XR for the first time or a seasoned developer looking to push your creativity further, we’re diving into everything from software setups to headset prep, ensuring you walk into your next workshop ready to innovate.
This guide is for workshops utilizing the Meta Quest with Unity.
Set Up Developer Accounts
You’ll first want to set up your Meta Developer Account. Sign up early as you’ll need this to access developer tools! Don’t forget to download and set up the Meta Horizon App on your mobile device, which will help configure your headset.
PC Requirements
The next step is to get your PC setup. Make sure your PC is compatible with Oculus Link, which is especially critical if you’re testing VR experiences in real-time. If you’re unsure, verify compatibility here.
NOTE: For Mac users, Macs lack discrete GPUs, so they can’t use Oculus Link. However, you can still work with the Meta Quest Developer Hub (MQDH) to manage assets and deploy builds.
Here is a quick to-do list for getting your PC prepped for your upcoming workshop:
Prepare your Meta Quest
Before diving into your project, make sure your Meta Quest is fully prepared. First, install the Meta Horizon app on your phone to streamline headset management. Next, enable Developer Mode on your Quest headset, a critical step to unlock developer tools and access advanced features that will support your project development.
Setting Up Unity and GroKit Core for Your XR Workshop
To maximize your experience with Unity, ensure you’re using 2022.3 LTS – any patch version will do!
For your workshop, we encourage using our prebuilt Unity project tailored for Quest development and Meta Link testing. Sign up for GroKit Core to access it—or, if you already have a project, use our Unity package for seamless integration.
Activating GroKit Core
To activate GroKit Core, navigate to GroKit Core > GroKit Hub within the Unity editor. Insert your API key, then click Authenticate to unlock the tools and features that will support your XR development.
Following these setup steps will ensure you’re prepared to leverage GroKit Core to its fullest potential, giving your project a solid foundation for success.
General Tips for Workshop Success
Make sure to keep your laptops plugged in during the workshop! Running on battery can limit CPU and GPU performance, which may slow down your work. To avoid overheating, consider using a cooling pad or extra fans to prevent thermal throttling, especially during intensive sessions.
With these essentials covered, you’ll be ready to focus on what matters most—learning, experimenting, and bringing your XR ideas to life!