Facebook Opens Oculus Store to 2D Progressive Web Apps

Facebook's Quest 2: Expanding Beyond Gaming

Facebook is aiming to reposition its Quest 2 headset as a valuable tool for the evolving remote work landscape. Achieving this goal, however, necessitates a robust application ecosystem.

Today, Facebook revealed its plan to introduce 2D applications to the Oculus Store for the very first time. These new applications, built upon the Progressive Web App (PWA) standard, will enable users to access familiar apps without removing their headset.

Initial 2D App Availability

Several 2D applications are currently accessible within the Oculus Store. This initial selection includes popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Smartsheet, and Spike.

Furthermore, additional apps are slated for release, encompassing services like Dropbox, Monday.com, MURAL, My5 (UK), Pluto TV, and Slack, according to the company’s announcement.

The Benefits of PWAs for VR

Although the Oculus Store has supported native VR applications, developing and maintaining these apps presents considerable challenges. This complexity has resulted in infrequent updates for apps from companies like Netflix and Hulu.

Leveraging PWAs will substantially reduce the development burden, potentially fostering wider adoption among app developers compared to what Oculus has historically experienced.

Quest 2 as a Workplace Solution

The integration of 2D apps is a key component of a larger strategy to establish the Quest 2 as a viable workplace device. In August, the company unveiled Horizon Workrooms.

Horizon Workrooms allows professionals to integrate their desktop environments into VR and collaborate within a shared virtual reality workspace.

This move signifies Facebook’s commitment to transforming the Quest 2 into a multifaceted device, extending its utility beyond entertainment and gaming.