Facebook Inc. is planning to make a bet on an virtual-reality headset for video games. It is currently preparing to acquire the technology company Oculus VR, and close the deal in the second quarter of this year. Oculus VR is responsible for the Oculus Rift, a virtual-reality headset that was earlier funded on Kickstarter.
The acquisition will include $1.6 Billion worth of Facebook stock, $400 million in cash, and an additional $300 million if Oculus reaches a certain performance mark. Oculus will also continue to operate in Irvine, California, at its headquarters as an independent part of Facebook.
Facebook also is working on an idea to use the device for media, communications, and gaming at the same time. The chief executive officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, said virtual reality has the potential to be the next great computing evolution, following the transition from desktop computers to mobile devices.
"Oculus has the potential to be the most social platform ever," he said. '"Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but entire experiences and adventures."
As of today, the Oculus headset device will change your game play experience in a whole different level. It has an unbelievable wide field of view, providing high resolution display, and ultra-low letancy head tracking. This device gives you the privilege to step inside popular games and lets you explore it in a totally new way.
"We feel like we should be looking ahead and thinking about what the next platforms are going to be," Zuckerberg said. "We think vision is going to be the next really big platform."
This purchase from Facebook is a proof that technology players are constantly in search of new ways to provide unique products to the market. Google, Samsung, and Apple are also on the same watch on what would be the next trending product that would benefit and change the tech industry.
