Samsung today announced its first virtual reality headset for consumers, called Gear VR, which has a price tag of $99 (Rs 6,540 approximately). The earlier model, Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition, was launched last year only for developers and was compatible with fewer smartphones.
Note that it is not meant for all kinds of mobile phones. The new Samsung Gear VR is only compatible with Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, S6 and S6 Edge. Also, you cannot use the headset for all kinds of content. Samsung though claimed to have exclusive VR movies, games and other contents which you can enjoy with this VR headset.
The new Gear VR headset looks similar to its predecessor, though it comes with a redesigned trackpad for greater control while enjoying the films, games, 360 degree videos and hundreds of new content available for Gear VR and a new foam cushioning to make the device more comfortable to wear. Besides this the Samsung Gear VR is said to be 22 percent lighter than previous Gear VR Innovator Edition.
The Samsung Gear VR features 54 ~ 70 mm (Fixed Lenses) with 96Ëš Field of View. The device measures 201.9 x 116.4 x 92.6 mm and weighs 130 grams. Sensors include- Accelerator, Gyrometer, Proximity (Mount/Unmount Detection). Samsung Gear VR is available in Frost White color variant.
Commenting on the announcement, JK Shin, chief executive officer and president of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics, said, “Samsung has been at the forefront of delivering mobile experiences and ‘Gear VR Innovator Edition’ launched last year was no exception. We see virtual reality as the next computing platform, and we are thrilled to partner with Oculus on Gear VR to set the standard for mobile VR and bring this revolutionary product to consumers.”
Brendan Iribe, chief executive officer, Oculus, further added, “Together with Samsung, we’ve redefined virtual reality and created the best mobile VR experience available today. On Gear VR, people are playing immersive VR games with friends, sharing 360 video experiences, and teleporting around the world with photos and videos – and it’s only the beginning for what’s possible with mobile VR.”
The Samsung Gear VR will be available in USA from the month of November onwards.