I have been following VR for quite awhile reading news everyday on the big boys Oculus Rift and Vive, reading impressions, watching interviews and people's reactions after using some of these devices. Even though I have never used one, I was convinced VR will change how we consume entertainment media. So I decided to get Gear VR to get a first taste of what VR is like because I have a Galaxy S6 Edge Plus anyway...why not..it's only $99 bucks.
Upon donning the headset, I was presented with a view of the Home screen and notice right away a sense of scale and presence. I feel like a giant looking down 20 feet above or so from the ground. The table and chairs behind me are HUGE. The UI of the Home screen is sleek and easy to use. You simply move your head to move the cursor where you want and select by tapping the right side of the cross indent cross bar. First thing I check out is Oculus Cinema. I gotta to check out the theaters. I heard many testimonies about how cool and real it is...so upon loading up a video and selecting Oculus Theater, I feel literally like I am actually INSIDE a theater...the screen is huge, OH MY. I can look around and see a bunch of empty seats...i can look behind me and basically anywhere I want...this is PRESENCE my friend. This is what I expected and actually more than I expected. I knew it's going to be like this (because I heard about it) but until you experience it, you don't really know. I begin to download some 3D movies to my phone and watch them and see how it look....and OH MAN, it does look like I'm watching a 3D movie. The 3D really do pop out of the screen just like real theaters. This is really cool. Now, there are other theaters that you can go to such as Ant Theater and Moon Theater...but I only like the Oculus Cinema Theater and Void Theater. Void Theater is really cool because you're much closer to the screen.
So after testing out the theaters, I head out and explore other videos. I am really impressed with the UI they created. It's easy to navigate and easy to identify different sections of the menu. Milk VR is impressive with its contents. It shows 360 degree of videos that you can actually look around and see everything...oh my, this is impressive. This will change the experience of everything we know about watching videos or pictures. In a flat 2D screen, you can only capture a single view of the video but this is a whole different level. I can see everything like I am actually really there 360 turn around....amazing. For some reason I feel like this is expected because I guess I have read too many VR news and understood how it work. So i wasn't as awed as perhaps compare to someone who never heard about VR. Never the less, I am quite impressed with this new media. Other things I look at are Oculus 360 videos (most of the videos are blurry here), Oculus 360 pictures (check out the 3D pictures, they're impressive and the scale is perfect). Now one thing I want to mention is that of all the videos and pictures I seen, most of them seem huge, i mean HUGEEE like the scale is incorrect. You feel like a giant among giants. I don't know if that's the way VR work or is it something they're working to correct. When I look at the 3D 360 pictures, they seem to get the scale correct. Not so with the traditional 360 pictures or videos. I have learned something by watching these videos and pictures though. I learned it's important to get the correct height of the camera so users get a better experience. If it's too high, you feel like a giant. If it's too low, you're a midget. They need to get it right. Overall, i am impressed with Vrideo, Milk videos, Oculus 360 videos and pictures, Picture Gallery app. I check out Vimeo and Twitch, it's cool. I checked out the Social App...okay cool, you can watch some videos with 3 or 4 people in the same room and chat with them. It's cool but I don't see people staying there too long. It's more like a curiosity and then let me get out of here.
Now let's talk about gaming. I bought a couple games and the best so far is Gunjack. This game is amazing. I never understand what it means to be playing a virtual reality game until now. You really feel a sense of scale and presence inside this amazing looking game with its UNREAL ENGINE graphics. As the ship move about, you feel totally immersed because of how realistic everything is and the ability to look anywhere. You really feel like you're inside a cockpit. Anshar War is a similar game with 360 movement shooting in every directions. Dead Secret is a good start for a VR explore game. You really feel like you're standing in a room when you play this game. You can't physically walk but you can teleport. By the way, you will get motion sickness if you're moving from point A to B when your body is not reacting to any movement. So i suggest play this game using teleport movement. Even if you're watching a 360 videos...if the movement is drastic and accelerate from point to point without constant speed, just stop or close your eyes because you will get motion sickness. You will sense it and it's coming and you just need to stop. So far, I haven't let motion sickness get to me but when i feel it is coming, I had to either stop or close my eyes. Some of these 360 videos are just terrible not just quality wise but induce motion sickness. There should be ratings for watching 360 degree videos. Ratings should include motion sickness, quality of the video and graphical contents. Now I know why games such as Call Of Duty or any games that required one running from point A to point B are impossible to make due to motion sickness. Even in simple game like Land's End induce a bit of motion sickness due to it's acceleration and stop motion. And now i know why developers want to use teleportation to get player from point A to point B because it presents no motion sickness at all. Now with a game like Dead Secret, it's cool that you can stand there and look around your environment and explore like you're actually there. But it's much cooler if you can walk around a bit too and this is when i feel VIVE will trump all headsets out there. The ability to walk naturally anywhere you want in a 15'x15' is going to take VR to another level. Everything you can do naturally with your body, you can do it with VIVE and I don't know about Oculus Rift. I heard it has occlusion problem if you turn all the way around since they only use two cameras to capture the front of your headset. People say that you can buy additional cameras and put them behind you and that will solve the problem but I don't now that. I feel VIVE...with it's huge space is going to be amazing for gaming and actually better for shooting now that you have a lot more space to operate. You can always teleport to different areas and continue exploring in your natural body movement. Any movement that involve using thumbsticks are just going to induce motion sickness because your body is not reacting to the physics of the virtual world.
Now I heard eventually Gear VR can be tracked with Valve's Lighthouse and using Valve's controllers. If that's the case, that's a game changer because now you have a headset that is totally untethered and now you add the ability to walk around without any wire tangling up is going to be amazing. But there is a trade off though. Gear VR is never going to be as powerful as Oculus Rift or VIVE with their PC's graphics fidelity. Not only that, it is not as comfortable as Oculus Rift and VIVE...why? Because it is much heavier due to the weight of the phone. I feel neck tiredness while using it for a long period of time. I feel eyes strained as well but that's due to the sharpness and focus of the lenses. Gear VR doesn't have positional tracking. It also doesn't have 3D audio which the other big boys will have. So, VIVE and Oculus Rift are going to take VR to a different level when they come out.
Overall, I give Gear VR 5/5 for starter since there isn't anything to compare to for now. When the big boys come out, look out!! Gear VR will be treated like boy compare to man.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Buy it with
$34.99
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
Only 12 left in stock - order soon.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers also search
Page 1 of 1Page 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
At a Glance:
- Be transported to amazing new worlds, in games, video and images
- Thousands of 360 degree panoramic photos
- Improved easy to use touch controls
- Games and applications available from the Oculus VR app store
Samsung Gear VR
Amazing Virtual Reality Anywhere
Mobile virtual reality is finally here. With the Samsung Gear VR, you can play amazing games, watch Hollywood’s best movies in your own private cinema (or even on the moon!), socialize with friends new and old, be at the center of a suspense thriller, and so much more. The Gear VR drops you right into the action—and it’s only from Samsung & Oculus.
The next generation of Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus, has been upgraded with new and improved features:
- Lighter weight so you can play and watch more comfortably
- Improved fit, including room for most eyeglasses and improved padding for extra comfort and durability
- An upgraded touch pad that’s even easier to use
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
CompatibilityCompatible with more phones (software update from your carrier required for S6 edge+ and Note5) - Galaxy Note5 - Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ - Galaxy S7, S7 edge There are amazing new things to do in Gear VR. Try hundreds of games, apps and experiences. |
Samsung Milk VRBringing you amazing 360° virtual adventures, Samsung Milk VR is video like you’ve never seen. You are literally surrounded by the action. Amazing tours around the world, some of the world’s coolest cars, celebrities, musical performances and documentaries. There’s always something new in Milk VR. |
Best of Hollywood EntertainmentBuy and watch hundreds of Hollywood movies & TV shows in Oculus Cinema. In Oculus Video, watch 2D videos including trailers, clips, and your own movie files in a completely new way. You can choose from multiple VR theater environments including a home theater, a huge screen theater, and even the surface of the moon! |
And Much, Much MoreEnjoy incredible premium games for purchase such as Eve: Gunjack and Land’s End - Play 20 arcade classics in Oculus Arcade - Stream over 1 million short films and videos on Vimeo - Keep up with the best gamers in Twitch - Enjoy amazing new 360° videos daily on Samsung Milk VR |
Jurassic World
Land's End
Eve: Gunjack
Netflix
Disclaimer:
2015 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung, Galaxy, Note, Gear, Samsung Milk VR and Super AMOLED are all trademarks owned or registered by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names, and marks mentioned are property of their respective owners and may be registered trademarks. Screen images simulated. Actual appearance may vary.
Use only in a safe environment. The Gear VR produces a distracting, immersive virtual reality experience that blocks your view of your actual surroundings. Read and follow warnings and instructions included with the Headset before use. The Headset should be calibrated before each use. Not for use by children under 13. A virtual reality experience may trigger health reactions. See a doctor before use if you have a history of seizures. Stop use if you experience a health reaction. Always be aware of your surroundings when using the Gear VR. Remain seated or stationary at all times. Take special care to ensure that you are not near other people, objects, stairs, balconies, windows, furniture, or other items that you can bump into or knock down when using – or immediately after using – the Gear VR headset. Do not handle sharp or otherwise dangerous objects while using the Gear VR. Never wear the Gear VR in situations that require attention, such as walking, bicycling, or driving.
Some apps and services may require payment or subscriptions to use. Netflix streaming membership required. Charges may apply.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTC Vive | Oculus Rift | PlayStation VR | Samsung Gear | Google Cardboard | |
|
|
|
||||
| Customer Reviews |
3,202
|
897
|
1,786
|
3,699
|
— |
| Price | — | $499.99 | $163.81 | $34.99 | — |
| MSRP | $799.00 | $599.00 | $399.99 | $99.99 | $15.00 |
| Platform | Windows PC | Windows PC | PlayStation 4 | Samsung Smartphone | Smartphone |
| Experience | Seated VR, Standing VR, Room-scale VR (up to 5 m diagonally), Positional tracking | Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR | Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR | Seated VR | Seated VR |
| Field of View | 110 degrees | 110 degrees | 100 degrees | 96 degrees | Varies |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 90 Hz | 90 - 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Display Resoluion per eye | 1080 x 1200 | 1080 x 1200 | 1080 x 960 | 1440 x 1280 | Varies |
| Headset Weight | 1.2 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 1.3 lbs | 0.7 lbs | 0.2 lbs |
| Fit | Adjustable headset strap, fits most glasses, 2 eye relief adjustments: lens distance from eye & interpupilliary distance | Fits glasses, Iinterpupilliary distance adjustment | Fits glasses, lens distance from eye can be adjusted, Iinterpupilliary distance adjustment | Fits glasses, focus adjustment | Varies |
| Included in the box | Headset, 2 x Controllers, 2 x Base Stations, Earbuds, Link Box, Link Box power adapter, Link Box mounting pad, 2 x Base Station power adapter, 2 x Micro USB chargers, Sync cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Cleaning Cloth, Alternate face cushion | Oculus Rift Headset, Camera Sensor, Remote, Xbox One Wireless Controller, Xbox USB Wireless Adapter, 2xAA Batteries, Integrated Headphone Removal Tool, 2 x Oculus Logo Stickers, Oculus Lens Wipe Cloth | Headset, Processor Unit, connection cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Stereo headphoes, AC power cord, AC adaptor, demo disc | Headset | Headset |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
1:00
Click to play video
Samsung Gear VR (2015) Bumper Case Review
Cory Haasnoot
Videos for this product
0:49
Click to play video
Gear VR Sizzle
Merchant Video
Videos for this product
0:21
Click to play video
Guy can't handle VR horror game, falls out of chair
Publisher Video
Reviews with images
Very cool experience, everyone needs one of these
This is for sure one of the coolest thing you will ever try. It is awesome. The one thing I am having a problem with is overheating. After about 15 minutes of using the device the phone overheats. The Samsung Gear VR uses your phone to create an awesome 3d virtual world that is something I have never experienced before. I did somewhat fix the overheating problem by putting a fan on me while I wear the device. I know this is not the best fix in the world but it seems to work pretty well. I still get the overheating notifications, but the device is not shutting down anymore. There are 2 notifications with the overheating. One notification is that the device is starting to overheat and the other one is that the device has to shut down due to overheating. At first I did not really even notice the product had an overheating issue, because in only a few minutes of experiencing the 3D world I felt I needed to stop. Now, I am used to the experience and can spend at least 30 minutes or more without any issues. I watched a Cirque du Soleil show that was unbelievable. It truly is the next thing from being there that you can experience and for that reason I gave it a 5 star even with it having the overheating issue that I did somewhat overcome.To use it you just attach the head strap (its Velcro so its pretty simple) and then pop of the cover and plug your phone in. I would not put the cover back on because of the lack of air flow it will over heat even faster. Before you can actually use the Gear VR you will have to go online and get an Oculus account and then download the software to your phone.If you really want the full experience you will want to be sitting in a computer chair with enough room to swivel 360 degrees. Plus I would have a fan blowing on the device. I used a normal stand type isolating fan that I kept stationary right in front of me. I did some looking around online and some people have done some pretty cool modes to the Gear VR to mount fans in the cover, something you may want to think about if you get into the Virtual Reality. Virtual Reality is new and a product like this that brings it to you for under $100 is unheard of so for me even if I do have to make my own fan and mount it it is still a 5 star item. Hope this review helps you on better understanding the Gear VR.
Top reviews from other countries
Ian Fell
Don't walk round while wearing!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2016