Oculus headsets now require a Facebook account

Posted on Wednesday, August 19 2020 @ 10:51 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Oculus announced that starting in October 2020, a Facebook account will be required for full functionality. New users will need to log in with a Facebook account when they use an Oculus headset for the first time. Existing owners will have the option to keep using their Oculus account for another two years, but on January 1, 2023 it will become mandatory to merge this account with a Facebook account.

It will still be possible to use the VR headsets without a Facebook account, but in that case you won't have access to the social features and Oculus can't guarantee that all software will continue to work properly. The company, which was bought by Facebook in 2014, claims the switch to Facebook will make it easier to find, connect and play with your friends in VR:
After January 1, 2023, we will end support for Oculus accounts. If you choose not to merge your accounts at that time, you can continue using your device, but full functionality will require a Facebook account. We will take steps to allow you to keep using content you have purchased, though we expect some games and apps may no longer work. This could be because they include features that require a Facebook account or because a developer has chosen to no longer support the app or game you purchased. All future unreleased Oculus devices will require a Facebook account, even if you already have an Oculus account.

Giving people a single way to log into Oculus—using their Facebook account and password— will make it easier to find, connect, and play with friends in VR. We know that social VR has so much more to offer, and this change will make it possible to integrate many of the features people know and love on Facebook. It will also allow us to introduce more Facebook powered multiplayer and social experiences coming soon in VR, like Horizon, where you can explore, play, and create worlds. The majority of our users are already logging into Oculus with a Facebook account to use features like chats, parties, and events, or to tune into live experiences in Oculus Venues. We’re also making it easier to share across our platforms if you’d like. For example, people already have the option to livestream or share their VR experience on Facebook, and soon you’ll be able to use your VR avatar on other Facebook apps and technologies.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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