The device Oculus go intended that this technology is more accessible and more people make use of it.
Facebook presented on Wednesday Oculus Go, a virtual reality device (VR) by its acronym in English) that does not require a phone or a computer.
The goal of the device is to make 1,000 million people use virtual reality, said company CEO Mark Zuckerberg at a VR developer conference in San Jose, California.
"It's true that nothing will change something we do in person but when we can open this to virtual reality, reality can be much better," Zuckerberg said during the conference.
Oculus Go will cost $ 199 and will be available early next year.
There are two types of viewers available on the market: the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View, which require a smartphone to operate, or equipment such as Oculus Rift that works with expensive computers. Oculus Go, which does not require a connection to a computer or a smartphone, wants to fit in somewhere next to them.
Facebook hopes that by eliminating the need for an expensive computer, Oculus Go can bring virtual reality to a wider audience.
Zuckerberg pointed out that the objective of the firm is to add 1,000 million virtual reality users.
"Now we have virtual reality viewers that are portable but are not as powerful as those that connect to a PC, with which you can not move from your space," said the businessman. "If we are going to have 1,000 million people using virtual reality we need to work on portability and quality," he added.
To make your gadget more attractive, you will have a more breathable mesh fabric, improved lenses and screen. In addition, it will have integrated audio so you do not have to use headphones with the device.
The company said it will bring some Samsung Gear VR experiences as games and applications to Oculus Go.
Despite the hype, consumer demand for VR and Oculus products seems to be mediocre. Facebook reduced prices twice to Rift VR included with touch controllers this year, but the second price cut was temporary. Facebook reduced prices again on Wednesday by offering a package for $ 399.
On the stage of the Oculus Connect event, Zuckerberg acknowledged that virtual reality is not common yet, but said he believes that one day it will make the world better by helping with job creation and empathy.
"If you can not think in any way that your reality could be better, then you are not thinking enough," Zuckerberg said.
THE VR MARKET GROWS IN MEXICO
This same week, Sony Mexico announced that the Playstation VR will be arriving in Mexico in mid-October and in the rest of Latin America from January 2018.
The case of the video game firm works exclusively with its PS4 and PS4 Pro consoles and its use is focused primarily on the world of video games, although the device also supports the reproduction of entertainment contents in 360 degrees.
Sony did not confirm the final price of PS VR for Mexico but the package that will arrive in Mexico is priced at $ 499. Along with the arrival of the viewer, Sony Playstation will open access to all players to the library of virtual reality games for the console.
In addition to Sony, companies such as Samsung, Google, Alcatel and Microsoft already have a virtual reality bet in the Mexican market. However, companies such as Facebook and HTC, which develop two of the most advanced bets in the sector, have not confirmed the arrival of their viewers in the country.
This week Zuckerberg was criticized for his attempt to show how VR could generate empathy. The executive announced a humanitarian effort for Puerto Rico, of Spaces, a social VR application, while a 360 video of the flooded island played in the background. This caused many to consider him insensitive and had to apologize.
Analysts believe that it could still take a few years before VR reaches most people.
