Oculus Quest to get Slack, Dropbox as Progressive Web Apps

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.

Click to read more ...

Facebook is now Meta, and its reportedly working on a smartwatch with a built-in camera

If you've checked your tech news today, you know that Facebook is changing its company name to Meta, reflecting its plans on a "Metaverse," where it is building a mixed reality platform that places all its apps in one place. Think a bit like the world in Ready Player One, at least the oversimplified version of that analogy.

Click to read more ...

Instagram plans to introduce a 'take a break' feature for teens

cottonbro/Pexels

Instagram's reputation had taken another dive recently when whistleblower Frances Haugen shared during a hearing at the US Congress that Facebook was aware its algorithms are destructive, leading children to harmful content and only taking out a fraction of the hate speech. In response to these issues, Facebook Global Affairs VP Nick Clegg promised Instagram would get a "take a break" feature to encourage teens to stop using the social network for a while. Clegg didn't say when the option would be ready, though. 

Click to read more ...

Facebook pauses work on Instagram Kids app

Facebook has announced it is "pausing" work on its Instagram Kids app amid intense scrutiny and criticism of the project. The company vowed it wanted to "work with parents, experts, and policymakers to demonstrate the value and need for this product." According to Instagram's team, they wanted to build an app that solves the issue of kids using Instagram without parental permission.

Click to read more ...