The Galaxy Note 4 and curved-display Galaxy Note Edge may have stolen the show earlier today but that’s not all Samsung had to offer at IFA. The company also put some rumors to rest with by unveiling the Gear VR Innovator Edition, a virtual reality headset built in collaboration with Oculus VR.
The Gear VR is more akin to Google’s Cardboard project than the Oculus Rift in that it requires users to insert a smartphone – in this case, that phone is none other than the Note 4. The handset snaps into the Gear VR behind a series of lenses used to create the 3D effect.
The right side of the headset features a trackpad and back button for navigation while focusing can be adjusted up top. Interacting with virtual worlds and navigating menus is mostly done with head movements and the aforementioned controls at this point although Samsung says the wearable is compatible with Bluetooth controllers.
The Verge spent some hands-on time with the Gear VR and found it very similar to using the Oculus Rift in that you’re totally immersed in the experience. They also noted it provides a better experience than Google’s solution for the simple fact that it sits on your head versus having to hold it up to your head the entire time.
Samsung offered a few demos to try out but otherwise, there isn’t much VR content to speak of. That may change over time thanks to a content store that’ll launch when the device goes on sale. But seeing as the Note 4 is the only phone compatible with the headset, it could be a tough sell to get developers to create content for it when they could be spending their time on more established platforms like Android or iOS.
Samsung didn’t set a price point for the Gear VR. All we know at this point is that it’ll be available sometime this fall.
