Accessing applications through alternative distribution channels on the Meta Quest 2 headset broadens the range of available experiences beyond the official Meta Quest Store. This involves enabling a setting that allows the installation of software not subjected to the standard Meta curation process.
This capability is valuable because it provides developers with a platform to test and distribute their projects early in the development cycle or to offer niche applications that might not meet the stringent requirements of the official store. Users benefit by gaining access to innovative, experimental, or specialized content. Historically, this option was introduced to foster community development and provide a more open ecosystem within the Meta Quest platform.