Virtual reality is getting a little more social. Oculus announced a new suite of social features for the Samsung Gear VR, which will give its virtual reality users a more personalized and interactive Facebook experience.
The Facebook-owned company revealed that it added a new Facebook Videos tab to Oculus Video. Starting next week, users will be able to connect their Facebook account with Oculus Video, and watch 360-degree videos that are personalized to that user based on the pages and people they follow.
Along with having its own place where Gear VR users can view these Facebook videos, users will soon also be able to like and share 360-degree videos from the social network directly within VR. This new feature will roll out in the "coming weeks."
It is not clear exactly how users would go about liking or sharing using their headsets. However, a screenshot of a video reveals that Facebook Reactions will be used.
Facebook previously launched its 360-degree video feature back in September for the web and Android, followed by iOS and support for Gear VR for even more immersive experiences in November.
Facebook previously acquired Oculus back in 2014 for $2 billion. This is the first major Facebook and Oculus integration.
Oculus also announced new social features, including the ability for Gear VR users to create a profile and connect with friends on the platform by either searching for their real name or with their Oculus username. The company also announced two new social games, one titled Social Trivia and the multiple player adventure game Herobound: Gladiators, as well as the the option to leave user reviews for all apps in the Oculus Store.
Mark Zuckerberg is known for being a huge supporter of VR, revealing at Mobile World Congress 2016's Samsung Unpacked Event that he believes VR is the platform of the future. However, Oculus Rift founder Palmer Luckey recently voiced his opinion that the platform will need some time to gain popularity.
Facebook also launched its own Social VR team back in February. The team is tasked with finding ways people can connect and share using the technology, working closely with Oculus and other platforms.
Source: Oculus
