Meta Platforms has begun requiring Quest headset and Horizons users to switch to the company’s new profile structure, eliminating the need for Facebook profiles to log into devices, it announced on Tuesday.
Those new to Meta VR must register for a Meta account with an email address, or they can continue to use Facebook and Instagram accounts to login while integrating their social media data for accessing Messenger. Users can pair their devices with the Oculus mobile App to enter their account information.
Meta users logging in with an email must provide birthday data to meet minimum age restrictions of 13 years old and 14 years old across South Korea and Spain.
Players can select one of three privacy options — Open to Everyone, Friends and Family, and Solo — with Friends and Family the default setting.
Those selecting private Meta Horizons profiles are required to review and approve follower requests. People that do not follow a profile can still see key data, including profile pictures, usernames, display names, and follower counts, among others, and search for usernames. Users aged 13 to 17 have private profiles by default.
Quest users can still access all of their files, purchases, and other data regardless if they remain with a Facebook login or use emails, but can no longer integrate Facebook features with the latter option.
Meta will void Oculus profiles by 1 January next year and will require Meta accounts after the deadline.
Meta Moves, Major Challenges
The announcement comes as Meta revamps its policies, price points, and privacy features after rebranding at its Facebook Connect event last year, leading to a metaverse-centric business approach while also switching its Oculus label to Meta in a similar move.
The Menlo Park-based firm has also initiated new hand-tracking solutions in a demo programme earlier in August to showcase the devices Passthrough and human-computer interface (HCI) capabilities.
It has also integrated significant steps to protect online users amid greater scrutiny from governments and organisations cracking down on harmful content, including an upcoming Research SuperCluster facility and several AI-backed tools to filter out misinformation.
Due to ongoing issues with record profit losses, namely from falling stock prices, the ongoing tech slowdown, and $10 billion in research and development (R&D) losses at its Reality Labs division, the enterprise has raised the price of Quest 2 headsets $100 USD, sparking backlash from some consumers.
