Last month Samsung took a different route in the world of virtual reality by launching its Samsung Gear VR headset. What separates it from the pack is the fact that with this high-tech headset, you need to snap a Galaxy Note 4 phone into it to enjoy the realistic immersive experience. Aside from needing a smartphone for it to work, the Samsung Gear VR is very much like the Oculus Rift; it’s actually made in partnership with Oculus, and it runs a number of demo apps, experiences, panoramic photos, videos, and games.
The Samsung Gear VR headset on display at CES 2015.
This is certainly different, so what are the advantages to strapping a smartphone to your face? Unlike any other device, the Gear VR transforms your Galaxy Note 4 into a 360° virtual reality viewing adventure, giving you the experience as if you were in front of a mega screen. By using the phone’s large AMOLED display and the Oculus-driven software, you can see the world beyond your peripheral vision. Another plus is that the headset is light and it’s easy to keep on for long periods of time, so you don’t have to be uncomfortable wearing a headset that’s wrapped too tightly around your head.
As for battery life, it’s just the same as if you were heavily using your Galaxy Note 4, which packs a 3220 mAh battery (if you’re burning out your Note 4’s battery from VR use, frequent breaks are highly recommended). Since you’re using a phone to immerse yourself into the VR world, you might be wondering about receiving text messages or email notifications. Long story short: when you’re in Gear VR, you’re only in Gear VR – you can’t answer phone calls or Facebook messages or anything else you normally do on your phone.
The Gear VR headset’s viewing angle. Image via Samsung.
This headset is currently available for $199, and is not intended as a mainstream consumer device you can pick up at your local Best Buy. According to VP/GM of immersive products and VR at Samsung, Nick DiCarlo, it’s pretty much a test run. Engadget quoted him as saying:
“The gauge of success is about did people who bought it like it and did they not return 100 percent of them. It's as simple as that. If someone bought it and liked it and told their friends about it and thought it was cool? Awesome! If we get it back and everyone's like, 'This doesn't work well; I don't like it; it's horrible.' Then we know we've got a lot more room to improve than we thought. We think that we've hit the formula, but the idea is that we're able to move VR forward — 'existence-proof,' to steal a word from John Carmack. VR exists! Thank goodness it finally exists! We think people are gonna really, really like it, but we know that there's a lot of room to continue to make it better and we will do that.”
Navigate the virtual world through head movements and touch controls. Image via Samsung.
If you already are, or are planning on being at the center of attention through Gear VR, you can download fresh content and applications from the Oculus store. By using a combination of head movements and touch controls, navigating through the virtual world is easy. The Gear VR headset comes with a carrying case, replacement face cushioning, a lens cloth, a 16 Mbyte card packed with starter content, and SD card adapter, a user manual, and a warranty statement.
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