Samsung Announces $99 VR Headset With Oculus Rift Technology

Samsung Announces $99 VR Headset With Oculus Rift Technology

LOS ANGELES — In perhaps the most significant move to date to bring virtual reality technology to the consumer mass market, Samsung has announced the latest version of its Gear VR device — priced at an affordable $99.

The device is half the price of its $199 predecessor, and supports Samsung’s entire 2015 smartphone line, including the Note 5, S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge+, which contrasts to the more limited support for smartphone models offered by the previous generation of Gear VR — making the technology much more accessible for mainstream users.

Early reports indicate that the updated Gear VR device shed around a quarter of its weight and is more comfortable to wear than the previous version of the headset.

An incremental improvement to the trackpad located on the headset adds tactile cues to what was once a smooth surface, providing directional input so the user’s finger will know where it’s pointing, while a new Gear VR Gamepad provides an Xbox-style wireless controller for precise cursor placement.

“While many are highly anticipating the flagship Oculus Rift headset release, the fact that it needs to be wired to an expensive gaming computer means it will have a much more niche audience,” Josh Constine wrote for TechCrunch. “But the Gear VR and other mobile headsets like Google Cardboard that people can carry around with them and easily share with VR n00bs are what will bring the medium to the masses.”

The updated Samsung Gear VR device is scheduled to ship in November, in time for the holiday gift-giving season.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Creator Networking App 'Plaiir' Launches

Plaiir, a mobile networking app for creators, has officially launched.

Show More