Facebook has launched a new low-cost, standalone VR headset. At its annual developers conference F8, the company said the Oculus Go is available from USD 199, in 23 countries to start. The lightweight device is launching with over 1,000 apps, games, and experiences available to users.
The company first disclosed plans last autumn to introduce a lower-cost, standalone VR headset. Oculus' flagship Rift costs more than twice the Go's price and also requires users to link with a computer.
Facebook said the Oculus Go was designed to provide a "high-quality fit and feel". It combines the "best lenses of any Oculus headset to date with built-in spatial audio and an optimized software stack". The device comes with a 538ppi 2560x1440 WQHD, fast-switch LCD display and costs USD 199 for 32 GB of storage or USD 249 USD for the 64 GB model.
Mainstream VR
The cheaper device is part of Facebook's efforts to "bring VR mainstream". It also announced new VR experiences for the Oculus devices. Oculus Venues will allow users to attend live events using VR, including concerts, sports and comedy nights. Oculus Rooms, originally released for the Gear VR, has been redesigned with the launch of Oculus Go and lets friends play board games and watch movies together. The Oculus is also coming to TV, with a virtual big screen TV where users can watch live or on-demand content with up to four people. Oculus Venues and Oculus TV launch later this month, with more features to be added this summer.
AR apps
Facebook is also adding new AR/VR features to a number of its apps. Instagram uses are getting access to Facebook's AR camera platform announced at F8 last year. Using AR Studio, creators will be able to design interactive camera experiences, including face filters and world effects, for their followers on Instagram.
Advertisers will also be able to integrate AR camera effects into their Messenger experience. This feature, launching in closed beta, will allow Messenger users to virtually customize or try on merchandise, walk through new products, or express themselves in new ways. Asus, Kia, Nike and Sephora are the first to try the new features.
On Facebook itself, users of the social network will soon be able to take 3D objects from News Feed into Facebook Camera AR experiences in a single tap. Facebook also announced 3D Photos, coming this summer, a new media type that lets users capture 3D moments in time using a smartphone and share on Facebook.
In addition, it's adding a new dating feature to the social network, so users can set up a separate profile and receive recommended matches based on mutual friends and preferences.
