SAN JOSE, Calif. — Samsung has entered the ring of immersive virtual reality with The Gear VR headset, joining the trend set by tech heavyweights Google (Glass) and Facebook (Oculus Rift).
Unlike the Oculus Rift, a pioneering VR headset, The Gear plugs into and is powered by Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 smartphone, which serves as the processor, screen and battery for the device. The Gear simply provides sensors.
A video on TechCrunch (available here at the bottom of the page) shows a demonstrator literally pop a phone into The Gear and snap on the visor. The Galaxy Note 4’s 518ppi display is then split in half, dulling the resolution but allowing for immersive 3D viewing.
Samsung has tapped Oculus’ VR store to provide users with content, which include tours of exotic cities and concerts. According to TechCrunch, The Gear will also launch with some exclusive content, like a virtual tour of Tony Stark’s (AKA Iron Man’s) lab, IMAX trailers and film clips, and live-action, 360-degree Cirque de Soleil and Zarkana performances.
Vevo has also signed on to offer more than 100,000 HD music video, concerts and more.
Samsung has not yet revealed any pricing information for The Gear.
