Samsung’s Gear VR headset now includes a controller
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Samsung has introduced an update to its Gear VR headset, giving it not only a more ergonomic and curved design, but now includes a controller, powered by Oculus
“At Samsung, we are focused on setting and exceeding the standard for VR experiences, making them even more accessible and delivering the highest in quality,” remarked Younghee Lee, Samsung’s executive vice president for its mobile communications business. “The Gear VR with Controller expands our VR ecosystem to help consumers get more engaged and immersed in VR content – whether it’s games or videos.”
The headset weighs nearly 12.2 ounces (345 grams), heavier than the previous two versions and also wider in dimensions (207.8 X 112.5 X 98.6 mm) than its predecessors. The field of view remains 101 degrees, the same as the 2016 version.
Including a controller had been rumored for days, first spotted in filings with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Samsung didn’t really have a controller you could use natively, although likely you may have been able to use a third-party. However, now to get more out of your virtual reality experience, the company seeks to empower you and offer developers more flexibility to be immersed in this new medium.
The controller weighs 2.21 ounces (64.3 grams) and measures at 108.1 X 48.1 x 38.2 mm. It features a clickable touchpad, trigger, home, back, and volume key, is equipped with an accelerometer, gyrometer, magnetic sensors, and is powered by 2 AAA batteries estimated to last up to 40 days with an average of 2 hours of daily use.
Both the headset and controller support micro USB and USB Type-C port and has a converter in the box.
While the addition of an in-box controller provides more controls and capabilities for Samsung customers, it also takes on the likes of Google’s Daydream offering, which includes a controller with the headset.
Samsung has teamed with Oculus on developing a controller for the popular VR headset — more than 5 million have been sold to date — and there are more than 70 titles being developed for this capability. Oculus said in a blog post that “existing touchpad apps will be compatible as well, which means that the 550+ existing Gear VR apps will be ready from day one.”
In the next few weeks, Oculus plans on opening up the Gear VR Controller SDK to developers. Those interested can submit a request to get in on the action.
Pricing and availability of the updated Gear VR headset and controller have not been revealed. However, Samsung said the headset will work with its Galaxy S7 and S7 edge phones, along with the Note5, S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+.
Above: Samsung updates its Gear VR headset and now includes a controller.
Image Credit: Samsung
