When Samsung showed off the Gear VR with the Galaxy Note 4 last year, I was pretty excited at the prospect of haveing a VR headset that was built in conjunction with Oculus. Then I saw the price tag and thought, “Nah, I can live without it.” Apparently that was the case for many people because now Samsung has announced that they will bring a newer and cheaper version of the Gear VR to the masses.
“Samsung has been at the forefront of delivering mobile experiences and ‘Gear VR Innovator Edition’ launched last year was no exception,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “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.”
The new Gear VR will be priced at $99 starting this fall. It will also be compatible with more phones. It will work with the Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge.
The Gear VR has also been put on a diet as it is 22% lighter than its predecessor. They also improved the touchpad to provide better control.
Samsung Gear VR Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Dimension / Weight | 201.9 x 116.4 x 92.6 mm / 310g |
| Sensor | Accelerator, Gyrometer, Proximity(Mount/Unmount Detection) |
| FOV *Field of View |
96 degrees |
| IPD Coverage | 54 ~ 70 mm (Fixed Lenses) |
| Color | Frost White |
| Compatibility | microUSB connection to the Galaxy Note 5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge |
What do you think? Does the new lower price point make you want to buy one?
“It will work with the Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge.”
So those of us with last year’s phones are F’d.
Gotta love Samsung. -_-