Oculus Connect is becoming Facebook Connect – The Facebook Takeover Continues

Facebook’s takeover of Oculus is not over. First, Facebook accounts were to be made mandatory for new Oculus headset users, and now, Facebook has rebranded Oculus Connect to Facebook Connect, forever changing the brand’s annual conference. 

In an announcement from Facebook Reality Labs (FRL), the company’s newly named VR/AR team, Facebook confirmed the change, stating that  Facebook Connect will be hosted on September 16th and be free to virtual attendees. Keynote sessions will be hosted on the FRL Facebook page, and detail the “latest innovations from our team and developer community”.

Facebook claims that its Oculus Connect event has grown over the years to cover more than just Oculus, providing research and product updates which go beyond VR headsets. The name Facebook Connect is designed to advertise this broader scope, though it will undoubtedly feel like salt in the wounds of those who have disliked Facebook’s recent actions regarding Oculus. 

It is clear that Facebook is trying to unify its brands under the broader “Facebook” brand name, though it remains to be seen whether or not this is the right decision for them.