Facebook Spaces

Facebook Spaces. © Facebook.

Facebook wants to connect the world, including in the virtual world. It launched the new Spaces application, currently in beta version on Facebook’s Oculus Rift, at its yearly F8 developer conference. The product lets users create a digital, 3-D (legless) avatar based on their Facebook profile photo, and interact with up to three friends around a virtual round table. The concept is not revolutionary, as other programs such as AltspaceVR already offer more sophisticated virtual hangout experiences. The application requires the purchase of the Rift headset as well as Touch controlers, for a total investment of over CA$800. Spaces is probably more of a public-relations exercise than a viable product for the foreseeable future.

⇨ Recode, “Facebook is rolling out a product so you can hang with friends in virtual reality.”