Facebook just halted Oculus Quest 2 sales — here’s why

Facebook just halted Oculus Quest 2 sales — hither's why

(Image credit: WalkingCat/Twitter)

While the Oculus Quest two remains at the height of our all-time VR headsets, it'southward non without its shortcomings. The strap can be flimsy, the base storage tin can feel limiting and the included cream face mask tin can get uncomfortable over fourth dimension.

Information technology seems that Facebook had been listening to user feedback well-nigh the Oculus Quest two. It's pausing sales of the standalone VR headset to make some changes.

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As stated in a Facebook blog post, the Oculus team had heard reports of a small number of users reporting skin irritation caused by the foam face up encompass.

"While the rate of reports is small and the majority of reported cases are minor, we're committed to ensuring our products are safe and comfortable for everyone who uses them," said Andrew Bosworth, head of Facebook Reality Labs in a web log post.

Forth with the new silicone covers, Facebook will also crash-land the storage in new Oculus Quest 2 units. Base of operations models will characteristic 128GB of storage instead of 64GB. The cost volition remain the same at $299.

Facebook has decided to give free silicone covers to all customers globally, in a voluntary recall in conjunction with the U.South. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Wellness Canada. Facebook is aiming to include the new silicone confront cover, which affixes over the existing foam encompass, starting on August 24. Customers can request the new silicone covers via Oculus' recall website. This also includes those that bought the Oculus Fit pack.

"Nosotros promptly conducted a thorough investigation including receiving communication from leading dermatologists and toxicologists," said Bosworth. "These experts have advised that skin irritation can occur in some segments of the population from many household items — fifty-fifty things like tomatoes or shampoo — and that the rates nosotros've seen are in line with expectations."

Facebook'due south investigation found that the current foam covers do non contain hazardous materials.

The modify to silicone is welcome news, as foam is a porous fabric that can absorb sweat and grime. Cleaning it and then becomes a more involved process. While Facebook recommends only using antibacterial wipes, that alone likely isn't enough to become deep into the foam. Some VR YouTubers recommend cleaning the face mask with a soaked soapy cloth.

More: How to setup and use your Oculus Quest two

Imad Khan is news editor at Tom's Guide, helping straight the day's breaking coverage. Prior to working at the site, Imad was a full-time freelancer, with bylines at the New York Times, the Washington Postal service and ESPN. Outside of work, you can notice him sitting blankly in front of a Give-and-take document trying desperately to write the kickoff pages of a new book.