The long wait is over for the tech-savvy citizens of the world as Samsung finally unveiled its virtual reality headset, the Gear VR headset.
In a nutshell, the Gear VR allows users to tap their smartphones as means to create a mobile virtual reality set-up. Gear VR was designed by Samsung in partnership with Oculus VR.
Oculus VR is a virtual reality technology company who is into development of immersive virtual reality technology that is both wearable and affordable. Oculus rift, its flagship project, is currently still in development stage.
Seen as Samsung major foray into smartphone-based virtual reality, Gear VR was conceptualized to make virtual reality technology readily available to general public. Priced at $199, it definitely the most accessible virtual reality technology to date. Its functionalities, however, pose major challenge to general users.
Aptly called "Gear VR Innovator Edition", the device is, in essence, targeted specifically for developers, early adopters, and innovators of technology. Gear VR is available for purchase only on Samsung's website. Any potential buyer is likewise made to understand this condition: "I understand the Gear VR is an Innovator Edition device targeted specifically to developers or early adopters of technology."
Thus, someone who is into user-friendly functionalities currently provided for by existing mobile devices can pass on Gear VR for the time being
With Gear VR, "Samsung is putting the device in the hands of creators to craft amazing experiences, as we define this new mobile category together," said Justin Denison, Vice President of Product Strategy and Marketing at Samsung Telecommunications, in a statement.
"You've got to design all these things from scratch, and that's really been the driver of making sure the product got out there so developers have something to develop on." Nick DiCarlo, VP/GM of immersive products and VR at Samsung, told engadget.com in an interview.
