The company is voluntarily recalling the devices’ “detachable foam face interfaces” — a piece that sits around a user’s eye and nose and acts as a cushion between the headset and their face — after more than 5,000 users reported it caused skin irritation and 45 users needed medical attention. According to CPSC. The reactions included a rash, swelling, burning, itching, and hives, the agency said.
It’s a rare spell for Facebook(FB) The CPSC does not list any other corporate withdrawals. While Facebook is still seen primarily as a software company, Oculus headphones An important part of their efforts to Promotion of virtual reality technology. Aside from headphones, Facebook has spent years improving VR consoles and making content makers make games and other experiences for them.
“As more and more people enter virtual reality with Quest 2, we are receiving more and more reports that a very small percentage of Quest 2 customers have experienced skin irritation after using the Foam Facial Interface,” said Andrew Bosworth, Director of Reality Labs. From Facebook in a report. removable”. open letter Tuesday for Oculus users.
In September, Facebook introduced the Quest 2 headphones, a smaller and cheaper version of its predecessor. The company first said in a blog post last December that a small percentage of users experienced skin problems after using the device and announced that it would investigate.
In April, the company released an update stating that its investigation “did not detect any contamination or unexpected substances in our manufacturing process” but “identified some trace substances commonly found in the manufacturing process and could contribute to skin irritation, and while these were already at a lower level From the branch level, we changed our process very cautiously in order to reduce it even more.”
Facial foam inserts are included with the purchase of the Oculus Quest 2 headset, which costs from $300 to $400 depending on the storage option. Accessories can also be purchased individually or as part of a “fit package”.
Instead of sending something to the company, customers can investigation The free silicone case is suitable for the front of the Facebook foam. The company is also pausing sales of the Quest 2 headphones for several weeks so that it can start putting the silicone case in the box when shipping to customers.
“My team and I are committed to ensuring the quality of our products, the ongoing support and success of our developer community while your safety and comfort are our top priorities,” Bosworth said on Tuesday. “The free silicone cap is part of that commitment.”
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