Facebook is the top social network on the web. It is no longer the only social network that helps us share our lives, but it definitely got the ball rolling. Facebook is even more deeply intertwined with people’s online identities. Now, it is reaching an important milestone. It launches Facebook Spaces, i.e., a new VR app where you hang out with friends in a fun, interactive virtual environment.
Facebook Spaces launches in beta today on Oculus Rift + Touch. The product is the first taste of Facebook’s ambitions to bring social interaction into 3D virtual spaces.
With Spaces, those with the Oculus ecosystem can connect their Facebook accounts and dive into the VR environment. The communication will be in the form of voice and avatar body language.
Facebook Spaces is easy to use. You can easily create an identity representing the real you in Facebook Spaces. People recognize you and make VR feel more like hanging out in person. You just need to choose one of your Facebook photos, which will display you to choose one of the recommendations for your VR appearance.
The most fascinating is that choosing one of the recommendations allows you to change your eye color, hairstyle, facial features, and more until your look fits your identity. Once you finalize your look, it asks you to go to the experience and invite your Facebook friends to join you.
Through Facebook Spaces, you can draw on the air with the help of a virtual marker. Amazing. Isn’t it?
In Facebook Spaces, you will find abundant content at your fingertips. You can connect more than four friends at a time with whom you want to draw, chat, watch 360 videos, make video calls via messenger, or take selfies in cartoon avatars. It’s one of the best ways to be in the moment together from anywhere.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “We want Spaces to be a comfortable place for everyone. It is all about connecting with friends and family that you know and trust, and we’re committed to making VR a positive place for all.”
“Today is only the beginning. We’re launching in beta, and we’ll add new features as we learn from your feedback and continue exploring what makes social VR experiences most meaningful. We also plan to bring the experience to more platforms over time. We’ve only just scratched the surface of social VR technology. In the future, it will continue to transform the way people around the world stay connected with their communities and those closest to them. We can’t wait to get there,” he added.