Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices • Hacker News Board

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#831

Post by zmmmmm » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 8:58 AM UTC

A lot of justified outrage here but I would make a separate point: I think Facebook has made a terrible decision here in terms of their platform play. They legitimately had a chance here to own the future of not just consumer but business computing. The apps now coming on the scene for virtual workspaces still have limitations but it is utterly clear to me that this will become a major mode of work and collaboration in the business world at some point in the future. But requiring facebook logins just threw a huge hurdle in front of that. There is no way I am going to suggest our workplace purchase these and then have everybody logging in with personal facebook accounts. And I can't imagine workplaces mandating people have or use facebook accounts.

I guess we will wait to see what Apple and Microsoft now do in the space since Facebook and Google both seem to have (inexplicably) bowed out of the race.

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#832

Post by josteink » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 8:59 AM UTC

cel1ne wrote: post #716

latenightcoding wrote: post #479

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It baffles me too. My Samsung smart tv started showing me ads in the control panel/home screen. I paid full price for it, why am I seeing ads. I wish I could return it, but the snakes waited until the return period was over.

I use an AppleTV connected to a 43-inch 4k monitor [1]. No crappy TV-software and it's a proper screen, with proper response-time to use for the laptop as well. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Monitor-Bdm4350uc-42-5in-3840...

Does that monitor support 12-bit HDR though?

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#833

Post by jobigoud » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:03 AM UTC

zmmmmm wrote: post #831

A lot of justified outrage here but I would make a separate point: I think Facebook has made a terrible decision here in terms of their platform play. They legitimately had a chance here to own the future of not just consumer but business computing. The apps now coming on the scene for virtual workspaces still have limitations but it is utterly clear to me that this will become a major mode of work and collaboration…

It's also a terrible decision for the other uses of VR, escapism, porn, games… For escapism, you don't want to be constantly reminded of the real world. For the other uses you don't want your real life friends and family to know how much time you spend on that…

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#834

Post by josteink » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:05 AM UTC

tfigment wrote: post #737

shrimpx wrote: post #709

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What’s the context of the Portland reference?

The US Fed govt sent unmarked, masked troops to Portland who then detained people without identifying themselves using rental vehicles and not disclosing why during the riots. Basically what happens during a kidnapping. Also I believe after mayor and governor ask them to leave. Not the first time in current events either.

To be fair, Portland is in completely chaos and disarray[1]. Innocent people are getting attacked, mugged, and almost killed by ANTIFA and BLM[2], without any police-intervention. (Because, as BLM has taught the incompetent Portland-mayor, the police are the bad guys.)

Someone sending in troops to try re-establish law and order is not only a good thing, it's paramount. Normal, non-radicalized citizens have a right to safety, and that right is not getting honoured right now.

[1] https://twitter.com/hashtag/PortlandRiots

[2] https://twitter.com/Timcast/status/1295350888509382661

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#835

Post by saos » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:11 AM UTC

mlindner wrote: post #216

saos wrote: post #106

Talking of login. I’ve just tried to login to EBay app using Google authentication. I have 2 step verification turned on. It now specifically requires gmail app to access the verification code. It no longer supports Apple mail app. Is this a sick joke? The only way around it was to send the verification code via tex. I'm so concerned now that Google will only send verification codes to Android device in the future.

I recently switched from using Chrome to Firefox. Next on my list is probably to try to wean myself off of using Google search. Getting my email off gmail is going to be harder and not sure what the best way to do that is.

yes, since this problem I have actively tried to think of some alternative to use. I'm heavily invested in gmail and Google search

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#836

Post by whywhywhywhy » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:17 AM UTC

TrackerFF wrote: post #596

saxonww wrote: post #560

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A better question: why does a VR headset require an account at all? Should my monitor require an account? Should my keyboard? It's a peripheral, not a platform.

Maybe FB wants to collect data from sensors, and other type of usage?

They can do that without an FB account, Instagram and WhatsApp certainly funnel data into a shared storage that FaceBook can read too without me specifically connecting the accounts.

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#837

Post by glenneroo » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:20 AM UTC

thomasahle wrote: post #775

IncRnd wrote: post #742

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's closer to what I've done, but in practice that also lowers the value of the company. There is a sweet spot you have to hit of giving up control. Just because you ask for something doesn't mean you will get it. In fact, you normally don't have the advantage in these types of sales, so you don't get to specify these things.

> In fact, you normally don't have the advantage in these types of sales, so you don't get to specify these things. You could always so no and just continue running your company? Even if you really do want to get out, you can probably get in some conditions if you are willing to reduce the price. That's what I would assume at least

In theory, yes, but good luck finding a human on this planet who will turn down $2 Billion.

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#838

Post by arnoooooo » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:20 AM UTC

callmeal wrote: post #205

wlesieutre wrote: post #135

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you're logged into the account on your computer, sure. Just make sure you either make all purchase on-device, or log into Oculus in a private window.

You'll need a separate ip address for each device then correct?

There's much more than IP adress that's used to track you. Companies like facebook use all the forms of browser storage, browser fingerprinting, etc.

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#839

Post by saos » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:22 AM UTC

ehsankia wrote: post #154

evo_9 wrote: post #105

This was the reason I bought an HTC Vive instead of a Rift; I never trusted that this would hold. I recently considered buying a Quest. I won't ever consider that again. Don't support Facebook ever, they don't deserve it. Incidentally here is a comment I made recently about the bullshit they pulled on my wife and I relating to creating a business listing: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23959088

The SteamVR ecosystem is just so much nicer. I trust them far more than any of the alternatives. OpenVR for example has lead to many fantastic tools.

This looks promising. Thanks

Re: Facebook account now required to login to Oculus devices

#840

Post by Lycake » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 9:23 AM UTC

evo_9 wrote: post #207

ehsankia wrote: post #154

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The SteamVR ecosystem is just so much nicer. I trust them far more than any of the alternatives. OpenVR for example has lead to many fantastic tools.

I didn't know much about Steam before I bought the VIVE and yes, it's actually a very nice platform. One thing that isn't apparent - you can return any game for a full refund within a certain (fair) amount of time owned and/ or you don't exceed some (also fair) time-of-play amount. It makes me more likely to try a game on a whim knowing and if it's not for me I can refund it without hassle. Great way to handle it, I…

There are a lot of things that could cause you to not being able to enjoy the game, that you can't see in screenshots or videos. Issues with movement, room scale or motion sickness.

Compared to 2D games, it can be the case of "I can't play the game" rather than "I don't want to / don't like the game". So the refund system is especially great for VR.