During the Q&A at Facebook headquarters last September, founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, hinted that the Oculus team is developing an app that allows users to play ping pong virtually. And the best part is they can have a ping pong match even when they are worlds apart.
The idea of virtual reality game or app that allows interaction beyond borders is indeed exciting. And just recently, such idea was concretized on the latest video post of Zuckerberg on his Facebook account. Zuckerberg posted a video on his account showcasing series of virtual reality activities, and it obviously involved playing Ping-Pong. Zuckerberg on his post highlighted virtual Ping-Pong stating that;
"The craziest Oculus experience I've had recently is playing ping pong in virtual reality. You feel like you're right there with your friend even though they may be halfway around the world. And not only can you hit the ball back and forth, but you can turn gravity up and down to simulate completely different worlds -- outer space, under water and so on."
Zuckerberg and his company are indeed in a mission of making the world and its people closer to each other. And with this new achievement of Facebook, one cannot help but ask what would come next. With the unlocking of virtual reality and its various applications, long distance interaction would never be the same again. In a follow-up statement Zuckerberg emphasized his experience with virtual reality. He stated that;
"In our new Toybox experience, you can pick up objects, build things and play games. This video shows a few examples of what's possible. What's really amazing is sharing these experiences with your friends. We're getting closer."
The showcasing of virtual Ping-Pong may for some is of less significance, but the idea and driving force behind its creation is indeed of great importance. Zuckerberg, who thinks that virtual reality is the next big thing, is keen enough to realize that the virtual technology is far more useful beyond gaming experience.
