Meta will no longer force you to sign in with a Facebook account when using your VR headsets.
From August, Zuck introduces a new Meta account (which will not be linked to Facebook) for both new and existing users. And if you’re signed in to your VR device with an Oculus account, you’ll still need to give it up after January 1, 2023.
The company stressed that the Meta account is not a social media profile. Instead, “you can log into your VR devices and view and manage your purchased apps in one place.”
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However, this does not mean that users will miss out on social interactions, just the process will be slightly different. You need to set up a Meta Horizon profile with a username, photo and avatar. Basically, what Oculus used to be.
Oculus friends become your followers and you follow them by default unless you choose the unfollow option. You can also link your Meta account to Facebook or Instagram, chat with them in the VR version of Messenger or play games.
In terms of privacy, the update gives you the ability to decide how and if you want people to follow you. But even in private mode, people who don’t follow you can still see important information like your avatar, profile picture, and username.
Thank you, Zuk?
When Meta made the decision to link Oculus to Facebook accounts two years ago, VR enthusiasts got pissed.
Umm No. I closed my Facebook account months ago for a reason and I will NOT be creating a new one.
Bye @oculus †
Glad I just got mine @valvesoftware Index!— Terrence Masson (@tmasson) August 18, 2020
Sorry, there are privacy issues here. I don’t want to merge or associate my fb with my gaming system. Never force customers.
VALVE it is… pic.twitter.com/DGdOcxBJLX— Warrioruk1 (@Warrioruk1) August 18, 2020
Can I get my Oculus purchases back since I bought them when you told me not to?
Serious question that I will continue to ask until answer.
I don’t want to have to link my FB profile to my VR profile.
— Jon ☀️?? (@JonVirtual) August 18, 2020
Now, as a deus ex machina, Zuckerberg has finally listened to the critique and will placate his existing (and potential users) with what has always been clear: independence from Facebook.
In this way, Zuck’s entrepreneurial genius can be restored, Meta can attract significantly more users, and collect valuable personal data from people who choose not to have Facebook, but want the VR experience.
If that’s not a win-win scenario, then I don’t know what is.
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