Samsung Reveals Gear VR headset, Brings Virtual Reality for the Note 4 [Video]

Alongside the new Galaxy Note 4 phablet, Samsung is today announcing a new accessory, the Gear VR. The Gear VR is a virtual reality headset powered by the Note 4. Samsung built it in partnership with Oculus, maker of the Oculus Rift, arguably the best VR headset, and recent Facebook acquistion. The company says the Gear VR will be available later this fall for an unspecified price.

The Gear VR brings to mind Google's Cardboard project, which uses a smartphone and cheap lenses to provide a basic 3D virtual reality experience.

The Gear VR uses the Note 4 (and Only the Note 4, it's not compatible with any other smartphone, Samsung or otherwise) for all of its processing and display features. The Note 4 snaps into the Gear VR, in front of dual-lenses that provide the 3D effect. There's a trackpad and back button on the right side of the Gear VR, and a focus adjustment on top. Samsung tells me that it's compatible with Bluetooth gaming controllers, but there aren't any specific controls for your hands at this time. Navigating menus, exploring worlds, and playing games is mostly done with head movements and taps on the side-mounted trackpad.

Using the Gear VR is very similar to using the Oculus Rift: it's a completely immersive experience that detaches you from your real environment. But unlike the Rift, there are no wires tethering you and the Gear VR to a computer, so you can freely move about and walk around. And since you strap the Gear VR to your head, you don't have to hold up to your face the entire time like Google Cardboard. There is a mode to enable the Note 4's rear camera while wearing the Gear VR, so you can "switch off" the virtual experience and see the real world.

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