Facebook has just stopped selling Oculus Quest2 — here's why

Facebook has just stopped selling Oculus Quest2 — here's why

The Oculus Quest 2 reigns at the top of the best VR headsets, but it is not without its flaws. The straps are flimsy, the base storage can feel restrictive, and the included foam face mask can become uncomfortable over time. [Facebook seems to have listened to user feedback on the Oculus Quest 2.

As noted in a Facebook blog post, the Oculus team had heard a few users report skin irritation from the foam face cover.

"While the percentage of reports is small and the majority of reported cases are minor, we are committed to ensuring the product is safe and comfortable for everyone who uses it," Andrew Bosworth, head of Facebook Reality Labs said in a blog post.

Along with the new silicone cover, Facebook will also increase storage for the new Oculus Quest 2. The base model will have 128GB of storage instead of 64GB. The price will remain the same at $299.

Facebook, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, has decided to conduct a voluntary recall and provide free silicone covers to all customers worldwide. Facebook aims to include a new silicone face cover that will stick over the existing foam cover beginning August 24. Customers can request the new silicone covers through the Oculus recall website. This includes those who purchased the Oculus Fit pack.

"We promptly conducted a thorough investigation, including obtaining advice from leading dermatologists and toxicologists," Bosworth said. These experts advised that many household products, even things like tomatoes and shampoo, could cause skin irritation in some people, and that the rates we saw were as expected."

The Facebook study found that current Styrofoam covers do not contain toxic substances.

The change to silicone is welcome news, as Styrofoam is a porous material that absorbs sweat and dirt. Cleaning then becomes a more complex process. Facebook recommends only using antibacterial wet wipes, but that will likely not be enough to get deep into the foam. Some VR youtubers recommend wiping the face mask with a soap-soaked cloth.

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