Meta will no longer force users to log into their Facebook account to allow them to use virtual reality glasses - or VR for short - according to The Next Web. The Next Web).
And Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, introduced a new account (which will not be associated with Facebook) that will be available to both existing and new users starting next August.
If you've signed in to your VR device with an Oculus account, you'll also have to get rid of it after January 1, 2023.
The company confirmed that the Meta account is not a social media profile.
Instead, it "allows you to log into your VR devices and view and manage purchased apps in one place."
However, this does not mean that users will miss social interactions, but rather the process will be a little different;
You will need to set up a Meta Horizon profile with a username and an avatar.
By default, Oculus' friends will become and follow you, unless you choose the Unfollow option.
You will also be able to connect your Meta account to Facebook or Instagram to chat with your friends in the VR version of Messenger, or to play games.
In terms of privacy, the update gives you the option to decide how you want people to follow you or if you want them to follow you.
But, even in private mode, people who don't follow you can still see important information, like your avatar, profile picture, and username.
When Meta made the decision to connect Oculus with Facebook accounts two years ago, the decision angered VR enthusiasts.
Now, Zuckerberg is finally listening to users' opinions, and he will please his current and potential users, by offering the service as they have long wanted it to be, independent of Facebook.
In this way, Meta can attract significantly more users, and collect valuable personal data from people who choose not to have Facebook, but want to experience virtual reality.