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Facebook thinks about social networks in two dimensions: 1. Audience size (eg <50, <500, 1M+); and 2. Format (eg text, images, video, VR, AR). You can go thr
by cletus 5y ago
Facebook thinks about social networks in two dimensions:
1. Audience size (eg <50, <500, 1M+); and
2. Format (eg text, images, video, VR, AR).
You can go through the exercise of placing every social network on this grid and there are gaps. Implied in this is a progression in formats and we've certainly had that from text to images to video.
In this framework, the acquisition of Oculus makes more sense.
I personally question the premise that formats will evolve from into VR. VR seems to be viewed as a mere stepping stone to AR. I agree that AR seems more likely an outcome. I just don't see VR going mainstream in a way that FB seems to be betting on.
Disclaimer: Ex-Facebooker. Opinions are my own.
- annexrichmond 5y agoYeah one thing that’s puzzling to me about FB’s bet is that Oculus should be a litmus test for the consumer interest in this stuff and afaict it hasn’t really took off. If Oculus isn’t particularly realizing huge growth, why would the Metaverse?
- MKTSPCLST 5y agoThe technology isn't quite there yet. I don't think it's fair to use it as a litmus test for the greater metaverse and the advantages it creates.
- grumple 5y agoTotally agree. Maybe they see numbers we don't, and maybe the limited availability of the physical platform indicates higher demand. I'm a big fan of the Oculus hardware and software. Just not the link to Facebook accounts that is soon to be required for older accounts. But my friends? Even the gamers couldn't care less about VR. You need a large space for it. Most of the games are pretty niche. You can't play anything close to cutting edge games. It's not really useable for work purposes, due mostly to not having a great keyboard interface and lack of third party investment in work-oriented applications. That and there's been effectively 0 progress on these points in the past few years. There's still potential, but I'm less optimistic about VR generally and Oculus in particular.