Facebook Reality Labs
This isn't the first time 2D apps have surfaced on the Oculus Quest virtual reality platform. But Facebook is planning to bring more third-party 2D apps to the VR platform via the Progressive Web App (PWA) framework. The aim is to give more work tools for its VR users. The plan starts with Facebook, Instagram, collaboration app Smartsheet, and email client Spike. But then Facebook will add access to Dropbox, Slack, and more in the future.
The PWA-based framework allows developers to bring their apps to VR without creating fully custom versions. But there is still a need to go through Oculus' developer channels to get their apps on the platform. As The Verge noted, this update marks a larger-scale rollout of non-VR apps inside the headset.
This update also represents a change in the company's VR work strategy. Facebook is introducing a suite of apps called Quest for Business, allowing ordinary Quest hardware to access consumer-focused apps and a new Work Accounts system administered by businesses.
Facebook will start testing Quest for Business and Work Accounts in a closed beta later this year. The full launch is planned for 2023, with plans to wind down the existing Oculus for Business program later this year.