Samsung on Wednesday announced it will roll out Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset designed for use with the recently launched Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones, this week.
Labelled as an ‘Innovator Edition’, the new Samsung Gear VR device is slightly smaller than its previous version which was showcased in August last year and worked with the Galaxy Note 4. It also features a wider focus margin and comes with a new strap design which will make the headset more comfortable.
Max Cohen, VP of mobile at Oculus, said that Samsung redesigned the weight distribution of the headset making the counterbalance better.
“There’s a lot of room to improve still, and that’s why it’s the Innovator Edition,” Cohen said.
“We’re not in a rush for commoditization. We have a technology edge that we hope to maintain for some time.”
The Oculus powered device provides 360-degree rotating vision along with a 96 degree field of view, creating a life-like experience for users. It has simple touch controls and enables easy connection of compatible VR accessories with its micro USB port. It can also be used for VR gaming using an Android-compatible controller. It is light-weight, at one pound, and has a height of 4.1 inches, width of 8.49 inches and depth of 8.76 inches.
The Galaxy S6 series smartphones, launched last month, packs super AMOLED display with Quad HD resolution and amazing pixel density of 577 ppi which will enable users to enjoy more than 30 wired or wireless VR games, using features like Oculus Cinema, Oculus 360 degree photo, Oculus 360 video, and others.
The virtual reality headset will be available for purchase with a price tag of 249,000 won (US$230.19) starting Thursday. The product is available for ordering at Samsung Electronics’ store. The first 500 customers can get 8400mah battery pack with the characters of endangered species.
Samsung will reportedly host customer events at avengers experience zone in CGV Yongsan, Wangsipri, and Sangam through May 10 where audience will be able to enjoy the avengers contents ‘Battle for Avengers Tower’ via Samsung Gera VR.
