Oculus launches its first TV-based application – TechCrunch



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Oculus launches a TV application that allows users to view streaming video content on a large virtual screen on the Oculus Go headset.

The company introduced Oculus TV at Facebook's F8 developer conference as one of four new apps built by Oculus that would allow users to get the most out of the cost-effective headset. The application was to be launched at the end of May, but we will finally take a look at it.

Facebook wants a big selling point of the $ 199 Oculus Go, it's that it's the cheapest home theater you can buy. Oculus TV is an important step towards the easy availability of all the features related to viewing conventional videos. The application will be a free download for existing users of the headset and will come pre-installed on the device go from the front.

The application focuses around a virtual living room with a giant 2D screen where users can select videos to watch. It is unclear why this application exists outside of the social application Oculus Rooms, which also has a dedicated space for viewing videos, but the company is probably looking to put more and more. focus on the video surveillance capabilities of the device.

At launch, the platform will have basic support for Facebook Watch (of course) as well as Red Bull TV and Pluto TV . This is not exactly a star launch lineup for the service, as users are browsing similarly to an Apple TV interface, but the company is teasing new partners in the future, especially tease with an ESPN sports network.

The platform will rely on the interest of streaming networks, many of which have already built their own applications for virtual reality platforms. You will be able to launch these native apps downloaded from Hulu, Netflix and Showtime via the Oculus TV app, but it's more an organizational enhancement than anything else.

Having a home dedicated to 2D video is probably a good choice for Oculus, but users will only benefit if Facebook can secure partners with content users.

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