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Reviews for Official Samsung Galaxy Gear VR Headset with Motion Controller

Discontinued  - not available for purchase
Samsung and Oculus present the leading Gear VR headset, revamped for 2017. Comes complete with an intuitive motion controller for added immersion. Compatible with a wide range of the latest Samsung Galaxy devices including S8, S8 Plus, S7 and many more.
(52)
Price: S$184.49
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Samsung and Oculus present the leading Gear VR headset, revamped for 2017. Comes complete with an intuitive motion controller for added immersion. Compatible with a wide range of the latest Samsung Galaxy devices including S8, S8 Plus, S7 and many more.
 4.5 stars from 52 customers

Showing 1- 10 of 52reviews

Good - but still some improvement needed
I am a reasonably early adopter of this type of tech, and already had a Samsung VR headset from the Samsung S7 Edge launch. This new version is an upgrade in terms of design and ergonomics, and looks smarter being in black. I use a Samsung S7 Edge, so had to change the adapter for the correct USB. This is supplied and easy to do. The supplied controller is new, and takes to AAA batteries (supplied). This connects to the phone via Bluetooth. Setup was easy as I already had the apps and so I was up and running straight away. I still find that the use of these headset does make me feel a little odd, although you do get used to it after a while. What you wont get used to is the speed your phone battery disappears, and how hot the phone gets. If you're playing a game or watching videos it will burn through the battery so quickly. And on a number of occassions my phone said I had to stop to let it cool down. This may be because I'm using a two year old phone, and may not be as bad with a Galaxy S8 or Note, but I didnt test this. There is a solution to the battery problem, as the headset now includes an input for your charger so as long as you have a long cable it can be plugged in during use. All in all, an improvement and it is cool technology, but still a way to go before everyone is using these.
A***. Quality product!
This gadget is amazing! From the slick black packaging to the crisp black finish and comfortable design to the actual VR functioning! The image quality is second to none; clear and as if you’re enveloped in the image. A must have if you’re into gaming, watching HD sports or even just Netflix. The only negative is that it kills your phone battery.
Full of entertainment
Samsung Gear VR continues to be dominant force in virtual reality headsets.
Completely black headset made of sturdy plastic. The padding meets your forehead and strong adjustment of straps make it way more comfier.
the only con I see in this fabulous tech is that its lot heavier than google day dream view and obviously your experience using this tech depends on the smartphone you use and it can only be used with only 8 cellphones, which actually hurts.
The actual addition to this version is sleek stylish black remote which makes it easier to operate.
I think Samsung Gear VR has a potential for plenty of first-person shooter type games which I am looking forward to.
In short, Samsung Gear VR seems unchallenged because its the best affordable virtual headset in market and I hope things will only go better with latest iteration of the headset.
Conclusion: the Gear VR is a great platform for those who don’t want to invest in more expensive Virtual Reality techs.


It maybe the best VR available is it worth it?
I'm not sure if theres a big fad with VR at the moment just like the 3D glasses phase with tvs etc. Samsung is surely pushing it though especially as you get one for free with their latest S8 phone too. First google was offering free cardboard goggles, then the Guardian paper sent me a free one also recently too. Clearly its more elegant having a branded 'Samsung' kit to show off though. How much better is it to a cardboard mock up is debatable.

The 3D immersive experience is good, but is brilliant ONLY if you have one of those 4D moving seats with this VR set on.
Whilst in Dubai, I went into the Samsung store, and they had the 4D seat and made me put on this VR. Watching a rollercoaster ride was fantastic as if I was really there. But sadly the normal consumer doesn't have a thousand pound seat in their living room. Consequentially, this piece of kit will entertain your family and amaze you for a week but then it'll sadly sit there just gathering dust.

When you setup the VR on your phone, its quite overwhelming how many different apps it downloads - the samsung vr one, samsung internet vr, the oculus app etc. After setting it all up, you'd spend a while figuring out wheres what but with a hand controller controlled via your phones bluetooth. i was hoping from the VR a library of tours to see things around the world that'll I'd never see. Shamefully its hard to figure out wheres what easily in the numerous illogical libraries so you end up going through a load of videos which are almost like just little trailers but nothing actually noteworthy. There is a netflix app also but I'm not sure why anyone would use this to watch a film. Regardless of what you watch, your phone over heats greatly!!! and as a result a message will pop up after about 10-15 minutes use to say you have to turn this off to have a break (either for eye safety or because the phone might actually explode due to it being so hot). The content to view is of poor quality. Theres very little HD videos to watch and the content available is rubbish. There is a Disney app where you play around watching some stuff but its really just 'o thats cool isn't it' and you'll want to move on and never revisit.

The VR is actually uncomfortable. You'll chuckle but I couldn't breath through my nose with this thing on as the weight of it presses on your nose so much, and if you're not looking through the correct part of the lenses, then it'll be blurry. Its only after I played around with all the straps that you can just about manage to ease the frontal weight. For me though I'd stick with the cardboard VR: its light, perfect to have a laugh and see things, and then you put it away. Otherwise, Samsungs VR really is an expensive toy which has a very short 'best before end'.
5 stars! WOW
The Samsung VR with controller is also well packed and easy to work out what is what without having to look through manuals (Love the black box). There are multiple connectors inside the box which means that you can use it with other Samsung devices which I personally think is fantastic! In todays world everything that is released it made for the latest model and can not be used with pervious devices and yet Samsung has clearly made this to suite all models above the S6 which is a breath of fresh air. Plugged in my S8+ to the VR and was automatically prompted to download the software on my S8+ which is a plus no fiddling about trying to install things one by one. There is a good rage of videos, experience and games that are offered by Oculus store and Samsung VR, they cater for experience that really tap into your hobbies, likes and interests and really give you the feeling that you are there yourself. The videos apps will blow you away! From the comfort of your own home it transports you half way across the world to ski destinations or to the African’s plains where guaranteed your heart will be racing. The added bonus of having Facebook 360 app allows you to upload your own videos experiences and watch others totally fantastic a real step into the future of sharing. I found it to be so realistic and immersive I would recommend that everyone gives it a try the possibilities and potential are endless with the Samsung VR. The games range from suitable for kids to suitable for adults and totally fit you likes and interests. For the kids it kept them entertained and amazed, they were able to navigate through it all like they were pros and had been using it for years! I connected the smart view on my S8+ to my Samsung 4K TV so everyone was able to see what was going on had them jumping to go next. In my opinion it is perfect to spark a kid’s imagination they were talking about it for hours on end and told all their friends about it.  The Adult games offer experiences from driving to shoot em ups and everything in-between, I am a keen gamer and really liked being put in the driving seat as it were. The motion controller is a great benefit when it comes to shooting games and other, from navigating through apps to using things in games it was spot on. To sum up I would say this serious piece of kit is relatively cheap for what it is and offers and would be a great investment for anyone with the Samsung S6 and above.
Sceptical at first - but then a convert
Initially as I unboxed the Samsung Gear VR, it too some working out how to get the straps together and I had a small band left - then it dawned on me it was the loop to hold the controller (tip for you).
after downloading the software and unlocking my phone I connected my S8 up to the headset and ventured inside.

Adjusting the focus I was amazed at new world, it was amazing. When my wife tried it out she kicked out her foot to straighten out the ruffle rug on the floor. Funny to watch.

My advice is to use a swivel chair to get the best 360 degree experience.

the device at first feels a little unwieldy and weird to wear and I do suggest that you build up time with the device as you can get a headache or two to start with, this can be brightness ( turn it down - another tip)
I have watched demos from the Disney team and it is amazing being immersed in the jungle book and star wars. I have played games and this device definitely brings another dimension into play, and there is an ever growing number of great games, and education titles available.

I am yet to try the Netflix app - but hey maybe 'stranger things is calling'

OK so when you are immersed - it is a little selfish and you need to pick your times or negotiate with the better half - but it is definitely worth it.

Team this with a Gear 360 and you can live you picture in a whole new way .

So if you have a Samsung S8 or S7 - this is a must if you want a whole new experience
Gear VR with Motion Controller; definitely the best VR headset in the market in respect to value.
The Gear VR changes everything. The entire experience is extremely fun and engaging - especially if its your first time. No review or word can tell you the first experience, it leaves you speechless and wanting more. I'm tempted to compare it to something like a first kiss, but I'm afraid even that wouldn't do it justice. The only downfalls of the experience after long uses is the phone can tend to get hot and there is a slight SDE. However, you'll only ever notice these small shortcomings if you're trying to (excuse the pun) bring yourself back to reality and start nitpicking.

Overall, huge recommend and its exciting what Samsung has done with VR, we can only dream of the future. This is a technology that seemed very far-fetch only a few years ago.
Best VR experience I have tried
I have tried a few different VR googles over the last couple of years and these Samsung Gear VR ones are one of the best. They have been the best for clarity and comfort. Easy to set up and get going. In built controls and a bluetooth controller helps out a lot. Straight out the professional box they look great, well designed and look premium. After setting up the strap and installing the phone i was ready to try in minutes. I found them comfortable and a lot lighter than other headsets. The connection to the phone by micro usb allowed for a lot more control of the device than other models. I was able to easy move between content and control the sound and other features. If anything i would say to concentrate on the sound for future releases. I ended up using my bluetooth earphones for the fully immersive experience. Using the gear VR with my gear 360 i was able to get right into my videos. Felt a little uncomfortable at first but got into it after a while. Bright clear pictures, i tried the same phone and content on my other cheaper goggles and the difference was dramatic in picture quality. I found some great apps to use and some fun games on the play store to get a really good use of the goggles. I think these are a great addition to a samsung phone and you don't need a 3rd party headset or even some of the expensive versions out there. Would be better if they could increase the compatibility of the goggles to also include more phones, especially of different makes than just samsung, but thats as i different phones in our house from Android to IOS. Only our samsung phone fitted in the gear VR. Overal a great head set and i think the quality is brilliant. Improve the sound quality and this is a winner!!
Samsung Gear VR 2017 has its good and bad points but it is definately a great buy IFF you have a Samsung phone.
The Good:
- Compared to generic VR head sets, this is easy to setup and sits comfortably on your head. It also has a great field of view such that you are very much immersed in what you are looking at.
- Setup is easy and the Oculus and Samsung app stores are well stocked with free apps to test out the features of the VR headset and controller.
- The controller is a god send compared to using the controls at the side of the headset, which whilst easy to use, is not ideal for some games / apps. What is great is that you are easily recenter the controller (ie where you point) where as other lesser versions do not allow for this hence you get get "image creep"
- The headset has a useful charging port which means you can charge your phone without having to concoct a ellaborate setup.

The Bad:
- Focusing can easily be achieved by rotating a dial, however it does not allow for you to focus for each eye, so you could find yourself not fully focused in one eye if there are at different strengths.
- The back plate which is removed when inserting your phone can easily be lost should you not stow it carefully
- Some of the apps are quite expensive.

Overall if you have a Samsung phone compatible with the headset, this is a no brainer to purchase despite its minor flaws.
Expectation vs Virtual Reality
PROS- *Comfortable to wear *Surprisingly light for such a large item * Affordable introduction to Virtual Reality for Samsung owners CONS- *Phone runs extremely hot after use *Lacks motion tracking capabilities of other VR headsets * Doesn't seem to be integrated properly with Gear 360 * Controller often seems to misalign For anyone with a Samsung phone looking to jump into a world of Virtual reality, the Gear VR is for you! First and foremost, I must stress this is an accessory for a phone. The phone does the hard work and the headset is not really much more than a viewfinder. That said, I’m underselling the experience because it’s like entering another world when you’re experiencing what the VR has to offer! Aesthetically, considering the bulky appearance of this headset it feels extremely comfortable to wear and is relatively light weight. Air holes dotted around the mask help your face breathe (Possibly due combat the problem of mist steaming up on your phone screen when the Gear VR is in use?) and touch controls on the side to help navigate around the screens. Unless you read the manual you may not realise the Gear VR can be controlled in such ways as there are very few clues to see or feel for when trying to use this control method. Instead, the focus has shifted to the nifty little controller. The remote control is fun to use and adds a new element of control to the experience- hand gestures and clicks from the pointer now add easier control methods and things like the trigger button on the back probably give a new gameplay element to things like shooting games (Something I still need to try). That said, it didn’t always seem to work properly and the control felt like it often needed re-calibrating making it counter-intuitive. Samsung has partnered with Oculus to deliver the VR experience, by plugging your phone into the VR you’re instantly transported into a virtual world. Though the Oculus offerings are rich with content and generally fun to use it’s very much a standalone experience. I was disappointed that my Gear 360 camera didn’t appear to have any support/integration. Given the nature of the headset it lacks cameras for motion tracking that other current VR headsets have so in terms of experience I feel as though there is more that can be achieved with VR than what is on offer here. The Gear VR is a really nice introduction to Virtual Reality but one where the novelty factor will wear off quickly.
A decent upgrade because of the controller
Once you setup the app on your phone and calibrate the controller, the Oculus Home app can show you in minutes some applications to start enjoy your VR experiences. Not just apps and games, but the entire web browser experience has been upgraded and you can interact in a more natural way with the controller, compared to last year’s model.

The VR controller is made out of a smooth black plastic which gives it a premium feel and the trigger and buttons position is really smart and comfortable to use.
And this is the biggest reason to be excited when it comes with interacting with the VR world, because it opens new opportunities in games, where previously the user was limited about using the touch control on the side of the visor. The motion tracking, when properly calibrated, works well and responds quickly.

Clearly the lenses of the VR don’t allow for a crystal clear quality of content yet, but it’s a really decent experience, and an inexpensive way to get into virtual reality.

I would recommend trying this out if possible and make your own decision depending on how often you plan to use it!
Underwhelmed by VR
I don’t want to be unfair in my review of the Gear VR, so want to preface my review by saying I may have had expectations that were higher than they should have been. I’ve watched some VR features in the past, but on professional level devices (not run via phones). This may have led to my let down when using this device. The device itself feels sturdy, like it won’t break easily. It is very easy to assemble and comfortable to wear. The padding around the eyes means you don’t end up with lines all over your face after a session. The controls are straightforward and personally I found the touch pad on the side of the device easier to use than the remote hand control which seems to wander off on its own. Despite having perfect vision and constantly readjusting the focus, I never felt like I got a truly clear picture, particularly when watching videos. I found one video which I did feel very immersed in called “Fistful of Stars” where you are in outer space – that was pretty impressive! Other videos, such as “Epic Rollercoasters” left me feeling nauseous because of the poor quality, but I think this is down to the video creators rather than the VR headset. My two main annoyances were overheating and connection problems. I’d say that 50% of the time when I tried to connect, it wouldn’t work, and I would have to take it off and start again. I seem to only be able to use it for a maximum of 10 minutes before I get a message on screen saying it needs to cool down, which is very disruptive. Overall, I don’t think this is something I would really use much, though it certainly is an interesting way to interact with videos in a more immersive way.
Virtual Awesomeness!
The Samsung Gear VR is excellent fun! You are in the action and can turn around and see the whole realm of the story. The headset itself looks sleek in black and is comfortable to wear. There’s plenty of padding where the headset meets your forehead, and the strong selection of straps, one around and one over the top of your head, keeps it firmly in place. It has a wider field of view compared to older models which gives users a bigger sense of immersion. Unlike the older model this one is designed way better so people like me who wear my glasses can use this in comfort with glasses on. It has a USB-C connector but also comes with a Micro USB adaptor making it backwards-compatible with older Samsung phones.

It comes with a wand-like controller which I absolutely love. It's a game changer for Gear VR not only for the game but also for navigation through the main menu. It's much easier and comfortable to just use a controller instead of trying to sweat the touchpad on your head which can be frustrating, but having a physical remote that you can point and twirl remedies this issue completely. Like the headset, the remote is sleek, black and packs alot of functionality. There’s a responsive touchpad on the top, along with Home and Back buttons above a volume rocker. Flip it over and there’s a port for charging and a rear trigger that should come in handy in more action-orientated titles. I found it responded accurately to my actions and felt intuitive to use. It's a must have companion for Gear VR.

When you dock your phone for the first time, the headset will give you an onscreen prompt to take the phone back out again and install the relevant software. There are loads of awesome apps and games both free and for purchase. Everyday I find something new to check out. If you own a Samsung Gear 360 camera, the Gear VR let's you view your own content in a whole different way. I find myself viewing my videos multiple times and noticing new things that I missed before. All the moments I missed because I weren’t facing the right direction, I now get to see it all. NetflixVR is one of my favourite, it creates your very own virtual reality living room. You’re sitting on a big red sofa with a huge TV screen in front of you, and if you turn to your left you’ve got a panorama view of snowy mountains through the window. Watching a movie or TV show on Netflix is awesome, whenever I go on a journey now whether its in a car, train or plane I always take my Gear VR.
Near-true VR experience with the Gear VR
Samsung Gear VR is a well thought-out product that delivers true VR experience thru a simple affordable platform. I have played around with my Gear VR well enough to know the true difference and benefits this gadget offers, when compared to other headsets. First, we have to talk about the build quality of the device itself. The key difference here is the fact that this device comes with modular connector mechanism which allows you to interchange the connections from USB, USB type C or possibly other standards, by swapping the connection module. Also the phone slot is adjustable to accomodate phones of different sizes. The construction is plastic, obviously to keep weight and price low, but it comes with a good portion of cushion to deliver paralleled comfort. The lenses have a focus adjusting wheel which is much welcome especially for us who wear glasses. Now we do not need to wear the headset over our spectacles. Another stroke of genius is the inclusion of on-board controls. You can control playback, menus etc even without the separate controller. this is especially useful in cases where one loses, misplaces or simply do not have the Bluetooth controller. The controller itself is a well made product, fitting snugly in the hand, well, placed buttons with a pistol trigger like button which works as the OK/Select button. The fact that you can also recenter it or modify its default aiming direction means it can be used by people with different handicaps or natural hand orientation. Now we have to talk about the operation itself. Its comforting to know that one does not need to be a tech guru to operate this headset. Everything is straightforward. The key thing is that you only have to slot your phone in, and the VR software/platform spring into life. Just slot you Samsung phone into the glasses, and make sure the connector is firmly connected to the phone, and the Oculus system will automatically start. Then we move on to the software platform itself. The Gear VR provides hardware assisted rendering and features using the Oculus technology and platform. The Gear VR is only compatible with Galaxy S6/S6 Edge or newer devices, so if your phone is not compatible as above, then you are out of luck. However, there is a good reason why the compatibility is that much limited. For starters, these new Samsung phone have got good screen resolutions. Also the Oculus platform offers true VR operating system.
Best mobile headset out there
I have tried a few different VR googles over the last couple of years and these Samsung Gear VR ones are one of the best. They have been the best for clarity and comfort. Easy to set up and get going. In built controls and a bluetooth controller helps out a lot. Straight out the professional box they look great, well designed and look premium. After setting up the strap and installing the phone i was ready to try in minutes. I found them comfortable and a lot lighter than other headsets. The connection to the phone by micro usb allowed for a lot more control of the device than other models. I was able to easy move between content and control the sound and other features. If anything i would say to concentrate on the sound for future releases. I ended up using my bluetooth earphones for the fully immersive experience. Using the gear VR with my gear 360 i was able to get right into my videos. Felt a little uncomfortable at first but got into it after a while. Bright clear pictures, i tried the same phone and content on my other cheaper goggles and the difference was dramatic in picture quality. I found some great apps to use and some fun games on the play store to get a really good use of the goggles. I think these are a great addition to a samsung phone and you don't need a 3rd party headset or even some of the expensive versions out there. Would be better if they could increase the compatibility of the goggles to also include more phones, especially of different makes than just samsung, but thats as i different phones in our house from Android to IOS. Only our samsung phone fitted in the gear VR. Overal a great head set and i think the quality is brilliant. Improve the sound quality and this is a winner!!
Converted an old cynic to a VR believer!
In the interests of openess, I recieved my Gear VR at a reduced price in return for reviewing the device

I must admit to being a bit of a cynic with the whole VR thing. I consider it to be very much a 'let's do something cos we can'. I've used the Gear VR now for several days now and had great fun - and plenty of motion sickness!! It is BRILLIANT fun. I have particularly enjoyed the horror themed VR games that are about for Halloween and more aptly, enjoyed watching others (my wife!) use them. Her reaction - especially when she's aware that something is 'behind her' was a sight to behold. I was going to film her, but she's refusing to do again!! You should definitely use headphones to complete the immersive feel otherwise, you are only getting half of the effect. I'm still in the mindset that it's a case of 'lets do it cos we can' without any *real* application behind it as yet, but isn't that how all great innovations have happened. For what it is and the fun you can have, I'd say , for the cost, it's well worth it. Marvellous fun. Oh.... and the headset is remarkably comfortable to wear once you have adjusted the straps to fit your head correctly.
Amazing Tech
As you open the box you have the usual this "looks amazing" moment from Samsung they always manage to make you feel that you own a premium product. So goggles out f the box, head-strap attached (very simple to do) connect phone......message displayed.....disconnect phone and download app. A minute or two later and away you go all frustrating thoughts about app download forgotten!!!! First thoughts this is awesome!!! The goggles themselves are easy to use and feel great, even with your phone attached there is no real weight to them. I have used a Galaxy S6 and S7 with them and the picture quality improves a fair bit between the two phones, can't wait to try the S8 when i upgrade next month!!!! There is very little light leakage with either phone which really helps with the immersive feeling. I am amazed at how much i have used them the interface is really good and they are great for viewing your own photos and videos as well downloading /streaming from the net. The biggest issue i have had with them is wrestling them back from my boys!!!! There is a remote included in the box which works really well and helps in games, but the controls on the side of the goggles are very easy to use when you are browsing or watching a video or movie. The whole experience is great fun and I would happily recommend them to anyone who has a Samsung smart phone (S6 to S8) the only slight issue I have (and only time will tell) is the S6 gets very, very hot to touch when used with the goggles. Even prompting a warning message screen to interrupt me viewing photos warning about overheating the phone. This is without the cover being attached as well. Hopefully this issue is resolved with the latest handsets. Overall this has been an amazing piece of kit and i can't wait to see what Samsung do with it next, VR is finally here.........now can't wait for a full on goggles version of AR!!!!
Easy to use and will get hours of fun
I have used some of the cheaper VR headsets on Amazon and did not expect this to be much better, however, this is phenomenal! The cheaper ones tend to have high latency which means that when you look some where, the screen lags behind quite a bit, this can be quite off putting. This headset does not have any of that with the screen perfectly synched up. The apps and games on this are also much better with a more finished feel to them compared to the ones available on app stores. Having a controller is also great with it being a lot easier to interact with the menus rather than just looking at the options. One thing that I was especially impressed with was the pad on the side of the headset, you can use a small trackpad to interact with menus and games even if you don't have the controller and it works just like a laptop trackpad with the ability to swipe and click. I have been using this with the gear 360 and its brilliant, I have been taking photos with the gear 360 in scenic places and can then show my friends and family the sights without having to take them. This could work really well for holidays that are picturesque. Overall I would recommend it as it is well worth the money and will get a lot of use.
Another world
I had never ever experienced a VR headset before and if I am honest did not expect it to amount to much. How was I wrong. My first hour using it was amazing, I loved how I could explore under the ocean, ride a gondala through venice, and due to feeling a bit of motion sickness i had to come off the rollercoaster. That's is how real life it is. This mode is the latest 2017 one on first taking it out of the box it was so easy to use. The eyemask looks cumbersome but once on it is very comfortable. There is plenty of padding around the eyes so it sits nicely. All the straps are adjustable and my Samsung s7 once out of its cover just clipped in with ease. The relevant apps also just automatically start once the phone is loaded. The glass itself is made by oculus (I believe they make binolculas) and they are adjusted similarly by the wheel in the middle. I had no problem adjusting to a clear view although my husband's eyesight he always said it was blurry. I liked the side touch control as for me it was easier than the controller which kept needing set up and aligned. However for a gamer the hand held controller would be easier. I found that I would used the headset for about 1 hour before my phone would overheat and suggest a break, that said that was enough time for me too and it can get a little too much spinning around. I loved been giving the opportunity to try this and my friends and family also enjoyed it. It was good to see pictures from the 360 camera played back on it. Fun to watch the wide selection of vr movies and just the mode of escapism where you could choose any background of environment. One mode you could sit at the movies and watch your own videos. For me the plus points were :- comfort, fantasy world, ease of option and the negatives were you phone heated up and the controller kept needing set each time. Great piece of kit. Love to be a child again :-)
Gear VR - the peoples choice of VR?
With the Gear VR headset Samsung has hit a sweetspot, where even with limiting its use with certain samsung phones, it has become widely accessed by a range of people. Some of this is due to its relatively low price, being bundled free with new phones and also due to its creating an ecosystem which allows novice users to find compelling content easily, but keeps adding new experiences for the regular users. If youve used a ‘cardboard’ vr viewer the Gear VR will be a noticeably better experience(note that cardboard content is much more common, however variable in quality),whereas ‘high end’ Vr users will find it doesnt match up to what they are used to, but at less than a quarter of the price its more than a quarter of the quality. The addition of the remote is a game changer, in that the most difficult aspect of the headset before was navigating with the controls on the side of the unit. The new remote appears in Vr and makes it so much easier to point, select and scroll. VR is an exciting and fast moving medium, and I think the Gear VR offers entry level users a suprisingly high quality experience, and mid range users a deeper and evolving ecosystem to explore. A final note for context- I work in the NHS and we’ve used these headsets to pioneer taking potential healthcare workers of tomorrow into previously inaccessible clinical areas to give a taste of what life is like on the NHS front line. This is important as opportunities like this are rare, and the Gear VR allows us to do this relatively cheaply and at a quality which has inspired many people into NHS careers. In summary, this is a great headset, punches above its weight in its abilty to immerse the user, and should be tried by anyone remotely interested in technology or the ability to experience a different point of view.
Excellent Quality
Makes everything look so realistic and brings it to life
Great fun but zapps your phone memory and battery
Other than virtual reality rides etc I had never had the chance to try out a VR headset until this fantastic piece of kit came through the door courtesy of #theinsidersuk and Samsung #InsidersGearVR. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the packaging, Samsung have decided that all of their gear is packed into the same black styled boxes which affords great protection but also a degree of quality recognition. Having unpacked the headset I set about trying to install my Galaxy S7 edge into the equipment. Initially, having been a man and not taking proper time to read the instructions, I couldn’t understand why it wouldn’t fit, but then realised that the headset comes with 2 different phone connectors, one for the newer S8’s and the micro usb connector for my old fashioned S7. Eventually I plugged it all in and then had to wait for quite a while in order to download and install the software onto my phone. This is quite an install and then once completed you will establish that it isn’t the end of your data and memory usage! I highly recommend that you don’t try installing this without Wi-Fi. OK, so everything finalised and I tried it out for the first time, my very first rollercoaster ride in my kitchen! WOW!! Ok so it was a computer-generated ride but the thrill was definitely real. You get the feeling that you are swaying and rolling, twisting and turning and you can look in every direction for more detail or experience. Brilliant. I later tried out 360 videos, 360 role play games and even wide screen 300” movies. In my opinion the games are a little short and each episode usually involves a wait while you download (or delete space on your phone to fit more information on it). Using the headset for more than about 30 minutes continuously causes the phone to overheat and you then get a message telling you to allow it time to cool down and obviously it does hit your battery! This can be overcome somewhat by the external charging port on the headset. Sound comes from your phone directly, but to improve the 360 feeling, most apps suggest the use of earphones, which does give an excellent feeling of enclosure, especially during the scary horror type apps. You can see your phone notifications highlighted on the bottom of your view but as far as I can tell so far, you cannot interact with your ‘real life’ apps and messages from with the VR headset world. It is great fun and good to see others using it, especially for their first time and seeing their reactions, but being a spectator has its timespan. It is a shame that you can’t somehow connect two or more together to have a joint experience, which could be hilarious. The controller is a good addition and gives control of your actions and interaction with the apps. My only gripe is that no matter how many times you realign the pointer, it never seems to actually point precisely where you want it to! This headset has definitely been a fantastic introduction to VR and I am considering a second purchase to use with my games console in the future, it’s a shame they cannot somehow become compatible! Thanks Samsung for another great piece of kit.. looking forward to getting it on the oldies at Christmas for a good laugh.
Expectation vs Virtual Reality
PROS- *Comfortable to wear *Surprisingly light for such a large item * Affordable introduction to Virtual Reality for Samsung owners CONS- *Phone runs extremely hot after use *Lacks motion tracking capabilities of other VR headsets * Doesn't seem to be integrated properly with Gear 360 * Controller often seems to misalign For anyone with a Samsung phone looking to jump into a world of Virtual reality, the Gear VR is for you! First and foremost, I must stress this is an accessory for a phone. The phone does the hard work and the headset is not really much more than a viewfinder. That said, I’m underselling the experience because it’s like entering another world when you’re experiencing what the VR has to offer! Aesthetically, considering the bulky appearance of this headset it feels extremely comfortable to wear and is relatively light weight. Air holes dotted around the mask help your face breathe (Possibly due combat the problem of mist steaming up on your phone screen when the Gear VR is in use?) and touch controls on the side to help navigate around the screens. Unless you read the manual you may not realise the Gear VR can be controlled in such ways as there are very few clues to see or feel for when trying to use this control method. Instead, the focus has shifted to the nifty little controller. The remote control is fun to use and adds a new element of control to the experience- hand gestures and clicks from the pointer now add easier control methods and things like the trigger button on the back probably give a new gameplay element to things like shooting games (Something I still need to try). That said, it didn’t always seem to work properly and the control felt like it often needed re-calibrating making it counter-intuitive. Samsung has partnered with Oculus to deliver the VR experience, by plugging your phone into the VR you’re instantly transported into a virtual world. Though the Oculus offerings are rich with content and generally fun to use it’s very much a standalone experience. I was disappointed that my Gear 360 camera didn’t appear to have any support/integration. Given the nature of the headset it lacks cameras for motion tracking that other current VR headsets have so in terms of experience I feel as though there is more that can be achieved with VR than what is on offer here. The Gear VR is a really nice introduction to Virtual Reality but one where the novelty factor will wear off quickly.
Great fun but zapps your phone memory and battery
Other than virtual reality rides etc I had never had the chance to try out a VR headset until this fantastic piece of kit came through the door courtesy of #theinsidersuk and Samsung #InsidersGearVR. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the packaging, Samsung have decided that all of their gear is packed into the same black styled boxes which affords great protection but also a degree of quality recognition. Having unpacked the headset I set about trying to install my Galaxy S7 edge into the equipment. Initially, having been a man and not taking proper time to read the instructions, I couldn’t understand why it wouldn’t fit, but then realised that the headset comes with 2 different phone connectors, one for the newer S8’s and the micro usb connector for my old fashioned S7. Eventually I plugged it all in and then had to wait for quite a while in order to download and install the software onto my phone. This is quite an install and then once completed you will establish that it isn’t the end of your data and memory usage! I highly recommend that you don’t try installing this without Wi-Fi. OK, so everything finalised and I tried it out for the first time, my very first rollercoaster ride in my kitchen! WOW!! Ok so it was a computer-generated ride but the thrill was definitely real. You get the feeling that you are swaying and rolling, twisting and turning and you can look in every direction for more detail or experience. Brilliant. I later tried out 360 videos, 360 role play games and even wide screen 300” movies. In my opinion the games are a little short and each episode usually involves a wait while you download (or delete space on your phone to fit more information on it). Using the headset for more than about 30 minutes continuously causes the phone to overheat and you then get a message telling you to allow it time to cool down and obviously it does hit your battery! This can be overcome somewhat by the external charging port on the headset. Sound comes from your phone directly, but to improve the 360 feeling, most apps suggest the use of earphones, which does give an excellent feeling of enclosure, especially during the scary horror type apps. You can see your phone notifications highlighted on the bottom of your view but as far as I can tell so far, you cannot interact with your ‘real life’ apps and messages from with the VR headset world. It is great fun and good to see others using it, especially for their first time and seeing their reactions, but being a spectator has its timespan. It is a shame that you can’t somehow connect two or more together to have a joint experience, which could be hilarious. The controller is a good addition and gives control of your actions and interaction with the apps. My only gripe is that no matter how many times you realign the pointer, it never seems to actually point precisely where you want it to! This headset has definitely been a fantastic introduction to VR and I am considering a second purchase to use with my games console in the future, it’s a shame they cannot somehow become compatible! Thanks Samsung for another great piece of kit.. looking forward to getting it on the oldies at Christmas for a good laugh.
Fulfilled dreams of a virtual world
This is a perfect device to complement your home entertainment center. Recorded 360 degree movies are getting better quality. They can provide the user experience from different places in the world, but also from the created reality, eg by the creators of the application. Gear VR combined with a compatible Samsung smartphone will be the best choice for watching movies, music videos and photos. It is on these levels that the user has access to a range of materials that will make him stuck for long hours in virtual reality. As a curiosity, the ability to record material via a Samsung camera - Gear 360 (2017). Then the user can record movies and photos to play on the set (smartphone + goggles) and relive, for example, holiday moments.

Pros:

- Convenient to use - The device adheres to the face well, it is not too heavy
- Extensive, full details and color interfaces
- Apps with 360 degree video and music libraries
- Ability to simultaneously play online with friends
- Watch movies recorded with Samsung Gear 360 camcorder
- Controller supplied with the set
- Smooth image without delays - both while navigating through the interface, like using Oculus store resources
- More and more games and games available in dedicated stores

Minuses:

- Samsung Galaxy S8+ is extremely hot when using Gear VR
- The fully charged Galaxy S8+ battery is enough for about 4 hours of goggle usage
- Play Store resources are not available while using Gear VR
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