Bulletins

Facebook's allowing other app stores on Oculus

The company announced App Lab, which will allow developers to distribute Oculus apps "without requiring store approval and without sideloading."

The move legitimizes platforms like SideQuest, which have become a popular way for Oculus users to install games that aren't on the Oculus Store. It isn't a free for all, though: Facebook said "App Lab apps are required to comply with our App Lab Policies, including our Oculus Content Guidelines, Data Use Policy, and App Policies."

In opening up the Oculus platform to more app stores, Facebook may be trying to head off antitrust concerns — like Epic's battle with Apple — before they arise.

Shakeel Hashim

Shakeel Hashim ( @shakeelhashim) is a former growth manager at Protocol, based in London. He was previously an analyst at Finimize covering business and economics, and a digital journalist at News UK. His writing has appeared in The Economist and its book, Uncommon Knowledge.

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Bulletins