Zuckerberg: Oculus will be a platform for many other experiences

Once there were PCs. Then there were mobiles. Next there will be virtual reality.

That’s the prediction of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg who last night told investors following his acquisition of Oculus that the move was made with an eye on the long-term future of computing.

[VR is] the next major computing platform that will come after mobile," he said, as reported by CVG. "Today’s acquisition is a long-term bet on the future of computing.

"The history of our industry is that every 10 or 15 years there’s a new major computing platform, whether it’s the PC, the web or now mobile. History suggests that there will be more platforms to come and that whoever builds and defines these, will not only shape all the experiences that our industry builds, but will also benefit financially and strategically.

"Mobile is the platform of today, and now we’re starting to also get ready for the platforms of tomorrow. To me, by far the most exciting future platform is around vision – modifying what you see to create augmented and immersive experiences."

However, as many instantly suspected Facebook’s aspirations go far beyond simply video games.

Gaming’s just the start,” he admitted. After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a court side seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world, consulting with a doctor face-to-face or going shopping in a virtual store where you can touch and explore the product you’re interested in, just by putting on goggles in your own home."