Virtual reality Facebook apps for Oculus Rift in development

Almost one year after acquiring the startup Oculus VR, Facebook has revealed that it is working on virtual reality versions of its apps.

Speaking at ReCode's Code Media conference, Facebook's head of product Chris Cox said that he believed a more immersive form of sharing would be widespread in the future.

"I mean, virtual reality is pretty cool. We're working on apps for VR," Cox said. "You'll do it, Beyoncé will do it."

Cox was reluctant to reveal specific details of how the VR apps might work and was vague about when exactly they would be available for Facebook users.

Several other major firms, including Microsoft and Samsung, have been developing their own virtual reality headsets, with the technology being developed for use in a wide range of contexts.

Last month Toyota used the Oculus Rift headset to simulate the dangers of distracted driving, while a small startup recently created a way to make a real-world AdBlock to blur adverts in real time from a wearer's point of view.

An Apple patent published on 17 February by the US Patent and Trademark Office revealed that the Cupertino company is also working on its own version of a VR headset.

Facebook's $2 billion (£1.2bn) deal to purchase Oculus in 2014 signalled a new direction for the social network to develop new platforms for sharing information and experiences with fellow users.

"You realise, when you're in it, that you're looking at the future, and it's going to be awesome," Cox said.

"When you're in Facebook you're just sending around these bits of experience - a photo, a video, a thought, whereas with VR you could be sending a fuller picture."