As Oculus constantly merges with Facebook, its parent company, new users will be able to use their headsets only after signing in with their Facebook account as of October. Fortunately for existing users, they can still use their Oculus accounts until 2022 ends. Starting in 2023, they will need to bind their FB account with Oculus headset to avail full functionality. According to Facebook officials, this step is to ensure that users can easily play with their friends in virtual reality for improved moderation.
While you already need a Facebook account for some of the essential functions on the Oculus headsets, including cross-game voice chat and messaging, Facebook announced new changes that require a new user to sign in using the social media account.
The changes
The company said that the users can maintain their unique VR profile even when logged into the headset using an FB account. Their VR profile will include a different username and list of friends if they want. They also plan to bring in a feature that will allow several users of a single headset to sign into individual accounts so that things stay simple. As is known to most, Facebook also affirmed that they will collect VR-usage information to see how the users use the headsets, and use the same for enhancing the experience.
Facebook will track the use of VR and its other products to improve existing features and provide better ones. The information will also be used to introduce personalized content like ads. For instance, they might show Oculus Events recommendations, ads for new virtual reality apps by developers, or ads on FB technologies and apps. However, a user cannot choose to stop sharing their use of VR with Facebook.
The company will use the user’s VR information to offer a safer and more consistent experience across every app and technology even if they do not log into their Oculus tech using the FB account. While the brand isn’t displaying ads inside the headsets now, the probability seems high in the future of advancing systems. All of these are coming before the launch of Facebook’s much-anticipated social VR app called Facebook Horizon and talks about a new headset.
An engaging and secure platform
Facebook said that by offering a single method of logging into Oculus, they will enhance how users find, connect, and play in virtual reality with their friends because the potential of social VR is limitless. The modification will also open ways to incorporate several features you know and enjoy on FB. Numerous social and multiplayer experiences will be added, like Facebook’s Horizon which is arriving soon in VR and lets users explore, create, and play in worlds.
These changes will also alter the policies to the Facebook Community Standards from the current Oculus Code of Conduct while adding an “additional VR-focussed policy”. So, they will be able to build a more friendly and toxic-free environment across their platforms.
