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It in one of the most anticipated gadgets since the iPhone, and one that could change the way we interact with computers.

Oculus, the firm acquired by Facebook for $2bn, has finally revealed its first consumer headset will go on sale next year.

'Today, we're incredibly excited to announce that the Oculus Rift will be shipping to consumers in Q1 2016, with pre-orders later this year,' the firm revealed in a blog post.

The final version of the Oculus Rift Virtual Reality headset. The consumer headset will go on sale early next year.

'The Rift delivers on the dream of consumer VR with compelling content, a full ecosystem, and a fully-integrated hardware/software tech stack designed specifically for virtual reality,' it said.

The social network has started building virtual reality versions of its apps and the company's head of product imagines a world where it could become as common as sharing a post.

However, until now the firm has only revealed prototype devices - some of which it even sold to developers.

'The Oculus Rift builds on the presence, immersion, and comfort of the Crescent Bay prototype with an improved tracking system that supports both seated and standing experiences, as well as a highly refined industrial design, and updated ergonomics for a more natural fit,' it said.

'In the weeks ahead, we'll be revealing the details around hardware, software, input, and many of our unannounced made-for-VR games and experiences coming to the Rift.

'Virtual reality is going to transform gaming, film, entertainment, communication, and much more. If you're interested in building a next-generation VR game or application, everything you need to start developing for the Rift is available at the Oculus Developer Center.'

E3 is just around the corner — this is only the beginning.

The system will include headphones to create a 3D audio experience, and an app store.

Following the acquisition of Oculus, Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg said: 'Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but entire experiences and adventures.'

Mr Cox echoed this idea, adding: 'We're working on apps for VR. You'll do it. Beyoncé will do it,' 

However, he said that 'we're a long way away' from the headsets being widely used so the app are 'a while' off from being released. 

Facebook bought virtual reality startup Oculus VR for $2 billion.    

Facebook's Chris Cox revealed the app plans Facebook has at Recode's Code Media conference in California earlier this year.

Facebook has been ramping up its virtual reality plans since buying the firm that makes the Oculus Rift headset in 2014.  

Facebook has revealed it has started building virtual reality versions of its apps and the company's head of product imagines a world where it could become as common as sharing a post or photo. The social network didn't go into detail about exactty how the apps would work or when they will be released

It is only currently available to developers. 

In total, the social networking company is aiming to add almost 1,200 new employees, and 54 of these will work exclusively on the virtual reality project. 

The rest will help develop the firm's drone and global internet schemes.  

The social network isn't the only company looking to lead this space.

THE FIRM FOUNDED BY A 15 YEAR OLD

Palmer Luckey of Oculus

21-year-old Palmer Luckey began Oculus when he was just 15, working on prototypes in his parent's garage.

He started developing his own head-mounted VR displays when he was still in high school.

He was in college when he created the first prototype of a consumer-priced VR headset called the Oculus Rift - although he eventually left to work on the project full time.

MailOnline met Luckey at the CES show in Las Vegas, where he showed an incredible amount of enthusiasm for the product.

He said he believed the technology's time had come.

The firm originally turned to Kickstarter to raise money, but has since raised funds from investors across silicon Valley.

Facebook said when it bught the firm it was aiming to add almost 1,200 new employees, and 54 of these will work exclusively on the virtual reality project.

Samsung has already unveiled its Gear VR headset, developed with Oculus and dozens of other manufacturers, including Google, HTC and others are also working on products.

Google's Cardboard project is a cheap, basic alternative, and even Apple is rumoured to be experimenting with the technology. 

A patent awarded last week detailed a head-mounted iPhone virtual display. 

It followed a similar patent awarded in December 2013, and a job listing posted in November advertising for an virtual reality engineer. 

The comments were made by Facebook's Chris Cox (pictured) at Recode's Code Media conference in California. He said that one day, virtual reality will be so popular, celebrities like Beyonce (right) will use it. But, he added 'we're a long way away' from the headsets being widely used so the apps are 'a while' off