Facebook is plugging away on creating their perfect VR app that promises to integrate the social platform into 3D virtual worlds. Last we saw of the prototype in April that introduced a number of features, all of which hinge on Touch, the natural input controller from Oculus.

Update: We’ve got a video of the impressive demo in action

Demoed on stage by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, he and a pair of colleagues went through a number of virtual worlds, some with static 360 images including an undersea environment, the Connect stage itself and even Mars.

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Avatars in the updated build are more lifelike, and emote more based on audio (and possibly gestural) cues from the user. Zuckerberg joked to the crowd: “why did you make me look like a young Justin Timberlake?”

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Receiving a call, Zuckerberg then showed off the newest function added to the budding social VR app, a live call feature over Facebook messenger that lets you take video calls while inside VR.

Taking a selfie using a VR selfie stick, the group then thumbed through photos, deciding which one to post to Zuckerberg’s Facebook timeline. Showing off the tactility of Touch, which allows for finer hand presence, the three played cards, chess and fought with swords.

There’s no definite release date for the Facebook-enabled social app, but with Oculus turning on social to their platform soon, you can bet it will be sooner rather than later.

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Scott Hayden
Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 3,500 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • Matt R

    Could this keynote be any more Apple?

  • Joe Bazaar

    Is roadtovr at this event? please live blog some of the workshops if you are there.

  • RipVoid

    Google is leveraging it’s position in android to become the premier mobile VR platform. Sony is leveraging it’s position in playstation to become the premier console VR platform. HTC/Vive is leveraging it’s position with Steam to become the primer hardcore pc gaming VR platform. And of course, Oculus is leveraging its position with Facebook to become the premier social media VR platform.

    This has been clear for a while. Which group are you in?

    • benz145

      Interesting way to look at it all. Even more interesting to see where it all ends up : )