Samsung Gear VR is a virtual reality device with mobile
concept that's developed by Samsung and Oculus VR which's pioneered by Palmer
Luckey and Brendan Iribe. The headset has gone through two release periods: in
December 2014 and March 2015. And now the third generation of this headset is
ready to go.
Through the cooperation with Oculus VR, Samsung's step to
enter the VR realm may not an attempt to create a new breakthrough, but as a
statement that virtual reality is ready to become a consumer product. In the
second Oculus Connect event on 23 to 25 September 2015, Samsung announced the
latest version of the Gear VR. There Samsung provides a number of updates,
especially on the design and price.
Just like the two 'Innovator Edition' models before, Gear VR
utilizes handset to process the virtual reality content. Initially the headset
only supports Galaxy Note 4 line, but Samsung has expanded its compatibility to
the Galaxy S6 Edge +, S6 Edge, S6 and Note 5. Samsung also tries to get rid of
the obstacle that commonly happens to the head-mounted display: trim the size,
so it's 22 percent lighter than the previous versions.
In addition to the weight, Samsung also fixes the touchpad
side and tries to increase the comfort factor. Through some photos, Gear VR third generation isn't equipped with the vertical strap; there's only a
horizontal strap. It means that Samsung has been confident about the headset's
weight and design.
Peter Koo as Senior Vice President explains how the latest
generation of Gear VR will make the virtual reality increasingly populist, and
can be enjoyed by everyone. But apart from this premise, Samsung admits that VR
is still very young. To expand its ecosystem, the content should be sufficient,
either in the form of videos or games.
Heading to that purposes, a number of strategies have been
prepared by Samsung. By purchasing the latest generation of Gear VR, consumers
are entitled to access the Oculus Arcade, i.e. a collection of classic games
from Bandai Namco and Sega. Then there are also 100 films from Fox, presented
through the Oculus Cinema app and Netflix. And reportedly, Twitch and Hulu are
ready to participate.
Samsung Gear VR third generation is scheduled for launch in
November 2015, precisely at the Black Friday, and it's priced only for $ 100.