Oculus has just recently unleashed an array of social features for the Gear VR, which includes more social-inclined games. This might be an attempt to put all lingering doubts about the virtual reality headset that it will just purely be a gaming device to rest. This now Facebook-owned company adds new sharing features, especially focusing on the company’s own social media website, along with other features and games that will make Samsung’s virtual reality headset to be more social.
Oculus Brings More Social Features to the Samsung Gear VR
With regards to the Facebook-side of things that Oculus has brought to the Gear VR, the device is getting a dedicated section for watching Facebook videos. Releasing very soon, users are now able to connect their own Facebook account (you can also create Oculus account without Facebook) to see a dedicated feed of 360-degree videos that will be personalized based on the pages they follow and with regards to the information being displayed on their own news feed and timeline.
Along with that, the social networking giant plans to add the ability to like and share said 360-videos while in virtual reality. The company, who is also known for the Oculus Rift, did not disclose how this would work but it would look like one of Facebook’s latest features, which is its new emoji-like reactions, will be part of the upcoming VR-ready sharing features.
Aside from the Facebook-side of things, the Samsung Gear VR will also be getting a new set of social features along with social-inclined games. Users will then be able to create a profile which they can connect to their name and Oculus username to connect with their friends using the same platform. There is also a feature wherein users are able to create “rooms” found in Oculus Social. In here, you will be able to watch Vimeo and Twitch streams with other people you know in VR.
As for the games, the Gear VR will be adding two new titles: Social Trivia and Herobound: Gladiators. In the latter title, you will be able to band together with four other people to defeat demons and goblins inside an arena.
This announcement made by Oculus follows what Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO, stated within the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month with his surprise appearance. The CEO stated that he praised the Samsung Gear VR and the company (Facebook) has created a “Social VR” team which is dedicated to creating more social experiences made for virtual reality.