Facebook announced yesterday that it has purchased Oculus VR for $2 billion in cash and stock.
“There are not many companies building technologies that can be the next major computer platform,” stated CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg when asked about the purchase. “We are making a long term bet that immersive virtual reality will be a part of people’s lives.”
The Rift virtual reality system for PC’s allows gamers to experience a 3D computer generated world and Facebook believes that this is the way of the future.
Besides Oculus Rift, Sony is also releasing their own virtual reality headset called Project Morpheus which will be designed for Playstation 4 however, it is unclear when it will be released to the public.
Oculus Rift VR is also not available in stores as yet however kits for developers have just been released at around $350 each.
While Rift was being designed exclusively for gaming, Zuckerberg is looking to expand it’s uses:
After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a court side seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face—just by putting on goggles in your home.
This is really a new communication platform. By feeling truly present, you can share unbounded spaces and experiences with the people in your life. Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but entire experiences and adventures.