"We're all here because we're optimistic about the future," Zuckerberg said. "We have real challenges ahead, but we also have to be optimistic. What I've learned this year is that we have to have a broader view of our responsibilities."
On the first day of F8, Facebook's annual developer conference, which just concluded, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg gave a keynote speech, his first public appearance since testifying on Capitol Hill.
Zuckerberg recounted Facebook's efforts to tackle data privacy scandals, election meddling and fake news, including the launch of a "clear history" feature, as well as multiple new features for Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.
Instead of wearing the iconic short-sleeves + jeans, Zuckerberg switched to long-sleeves and black slacks, seemingly deliberately emphasizing the changes taking place.
Click here to review the highlights of Xiao Zha's speech
data privacy
Shortly before Zuckerberg's keynote, Facebook had announced a new privacy feature that would allow users to clear their browsing history on Facebook, including what they clicked on and what websites they visited.
During the speech, Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would restart the review of new apps that had been frozen after the Cambridge Analytica incident.
"I know it's not been easy being a developer over the past few months," Zuckerberg said.
Facebook platform head Ime Archibong said the process will be more rigorous in the future. More companies will have to be verified with Facebook before launching an app.
To better connect the world, the Facebook app has a new "Dating" feature. This feature also has a privacy design: your friends can't see your profile in the dating function, and you will only be recommended to users who are not friends.
Reaffirming VR/AR
The highlight is a piece of hardware that was announced at the opening: the Oculus Go. It's the first standalone VR headset since Facebook's acquisition of Oculus, and it'll be available in 32 countries around the world today, starting at $199. Everyone in the audience will get a free Oculus Go, Zuckerberg said.
It was the only hardware product Facebook announced on Tuesday. Facebook needs developers to create content for the device, so releasing the hardware is a strategic move.
There are also some new experiences in Facebook's version of virtual reality. With Oculus Venues, people will be able to attend sporting events, concerts, play board games and watch movies with friends in virtual Oculus Rooms, and use Oculus TV to watch giant TVs in virtual reality with friends. New features will be rolled out this month. Facebook is also continuing to expand its augmented reality offerings, like 3D Photos, which will be available this summer.