Author: Ben Egliston

Dr Ben Egliston is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology. Drawing from critical theories of technology, Ben researches the politics and practices of digital technology, asking how and why particular kinds of digital technologies affect (and become affected by) users. His research has focused largely on videogames, covering topics like esports, data analytics interfaces and livestreaming. His current research examines data analytics in the use and development of videogames and software, as well as the politics of emerging ‘mixed reality’ technologies. He has published recently in academic journals like New Media and Society, Media, Culture and Society, Games and Culture and Convergence, and in general interest publications like The Conversation and Overland. Ben’s research within the Transforming Media Industries program explores the use of data analytics by independent (‘indie’) game developers.

September 21, 2020September 21, 2020 by Marcus Carter

Facebook’s virtual reality push is about data, not gaming

Facebook has announced the latest version of its successful standalone virtual reality (VR) headset, the Oculus Quest 2. The new device packs more computing power and a sharper screen than its predecessor, and is also US$100 cheaper.

The Oculus Quest 2 is the latest step in Facebook’s long-term strategy of making VR more accessible and popular. Facebook recently brought all its VR work under the umbrella of Facebook Reality Labs, it has announced new applications like the Infinite Office VR workplace, and will also require a Facebook login for future Oculus devices.

The compulsory link to Facebook has many consumers concerned, considering the social media giant’s chequered history with privacy and data. VR and its cousin, augmented reality (AR), are perhaps the most data-extractive digital sensors we’re likely to invite into our homes in the next decade. Read More