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Facebook-Owned Oculus Reduces the Price of its Best-Selling, Standalone VR Headset

Published

4 years ago

January 17, 2020

facebook owned oculus reduces the price of its best selling standalone vr headset

Last month, in my 2020 predictions post, I noted that:

“While virtual reality may not reach that key plateau of consumer awareness in the next year, you can expect it to become a more significant consideration – and eventually, a more important marketing tool as more consumers start to buy into the next phase.”

Facebook has been investing big into virtual reality through its dedicated VR arm Oculus for some years now, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly stated that he believes this is the next evoution for social connection.

But in order to facilitate this, Facebook needs to make VR viable – it needs to be not only an accessible, but also an affordable option, while it also needs dedicated content being developed for this new environment in order to inspire take-up.

The key to all of this is consumer interest, and this week, Facebook has taken another significant step in that direction by reducing the price of its Oculus Go standalone VR headset, with Oculus confirming that it will take another $50 off the price permanently, putting it at $US149 for the basic version.

The entry-level Oculus Go headset has been the company’s best selling device thus far, though the more advanced Oculus Quest, which now includes, among other elements, controller-free hand-tacking, is expected to soon become Oculus’ most popular option.

The Go device is more of an introductory tool, while the Quest is for gaming and advanced usage. Still, at less than $US150, you can imagine that many people will give it more consideration. Oculus Go devices have actually been on sale at this cheaper price point since earlier in the year, and the fact that they’re now making that the base price would suggest that it’s already helped boost consumer interest.

And as noted, if Facebook can boost the take-up of its VR tools, that’ll go a long way to fueling a new VR eco-system. With VR now becoming increasingly accessible, it wouldn’t be surprising if, by the end of 2020, VR is viewed as a more viable marketing option for many brands – and that’s before we see what other advances and announcements 2020 brings.

This is key area of development to watch, both for tech enthusiasts and for digital marketers more specifically. The implications of advanced connection through VR could have huge impacts on eCommerce, advertising, branding, etc.

We’re not at that next stage of adoption as yet, but we’re starting to see glimpses of how the VR future might come about. Keep an eye on this space, and maybe also consider how you can start to research VR tech, and get ahead of the next big shift.

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

Published

1 month ago

March 18, 2024

Max

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.