Facebook to Buy Oculus Virtual Reality Company

Facebook will acquire virtual reality technology company Oculus VR for $2 billion. In a post on his Facebook profile page today, Mark Zuckerberg announced this acquisition, which is primarily known for the the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset. The company is expected to assist Zuckerberg in his vision where virtual reality has the potential to be the next great computing evolution, following the transition from desktop computers to mobile devices. Zuckerberg says that their efforts with Oculus will continue to focus on gaming initially, and that the company will continue to operate independently of Facebook. But after gaming, Zuckerberg says they’re going to expand into a variety of other arenas.

“Oculus has the potential to be the most social platform ever. This is really a new communication platform. By feeling truly present, you can share unbounded spaces and experiences with the people in your life.Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but entire experiences and adventures.”

This could also heavily influence the future of the event industries with goggle-exclusive concerts and whatnot. The acquisition comes just weeks after Facebook announced it will purchase the messaging service WhatsApp for $19 billion. Zuckerberg noted that he didn’t expect Facebook’s buying spree to continue, but that the company would open its wallet for companies that it thinks offer a unique value opportunity.