Facebook Recalls Oculus Quest 2 Headsets Over Safety Concerns
Facebook has issued a mass recall on the Oculus Quest 2, after continued concerns about skin irritation have led to numerous complaints from consumers. Thankfully, Facebook is doing its bit to keep Oculus Quest 2 owners informed and is offering a solution
Reports that there might be problems with the Oculus Quest 2 first started doing the rounds in December, with Facebook vowing to hold its own inquiry into a "small number" of complaints. Findings were initially published in April, but with more reports of skin irritation flooding in, Facebook has issued a voluntary recall on the Oculus Quest 2.
Why is Facebook recalling the Oculus Quest 2?
On the official Oculus site, Facebook wrote, "As more people started using Quest 2, we received reports that a very small percentage of Quest 2 customers were experiencing skin irritation after using the Quest 2 removable foam facial interface".
Explaining how the company has tackled the potential issue, Facebook continued, "We've been working hard to address the issue, working with experts and making adjustments to our manufacturing process, and communicating proactively with regulators".
In April, Facebook seemed confident that the problems with the Oculus Quest 2 quietly. Back then, Facebook said: "We did not find any contamination or unexpected substances in our manufacturing process.
"We identified a few trace substances that are normally present in the manufacturing process which could contribute to skin discomfort, and while these were already at levels below the industry standard, out of an abundance of caution we changed our process to reduce them even further."
In the latest update, Facebook Reality Labs Andrew Bosworth confirmed, "While the rate of reports is small and the majority of reported cases are minor, we're committed to ensuring our products are safe and comfortable for everyone who uses them."
What does the Oculus Quest 2 recall mean for Facebook?
Working with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, Facebook has issued a recall alert. There have apparently been 5,716 reports of facial skin irritation that have included symptoms like rashes, swelling, burning, itching, hives, and bumps. Added to this, there have been approximately 45 reports of these requiring medical attention. Around four million units will be affected by the US recall.
In the meantime, Facebook is offering a free silicon cover to go over the existing foam insert. The Oculus website has full instructions on how to request a silicon cover. Despite the recall being based in the USA, Facebook will be shipping covers to all countries the Oculus Quest 2 is sold. This includes the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Moving forward, Facebook has confirmed all-new Oculus Quest 2 headsets will include the silicon cover from August 24. It ties in with the upcoming release of the beefier 128GB Oculus Quest 2 replacing the current 64GB model on the same day. In better news, the supersized Oculus Quest 2 will still keep the original unit's $299 price tag.