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Samsung and Oculus partner to create Gear VR, a virtual reality headset that uses the Note 4 (hands-on)
Facebook's Oculus VR is creating the Rift. Sony's PlayStation is creating Project Morpheus. Google is... well, Cardboard exists. And now Samsung's getting in on the virtual reality action, announcing Gear VR at IFA 2014 today in Berlin, Germany. Gear VR is a virtual reality headset with a removable front cover where Samsung's newly announced Note 4 slips in, acting as the screen. Paired with adjustable lenses built into the headset and a comfy strap, Gear VR turns Samsung's next Note into a virtual reality machine. And what's the first thing you'll see when you strap on Gear VR? Oculus VR's handiwork. The company behind the re-birth of virtual reality is partnering with Samsung on Gear VR: Samsung handles the hardware; Oculus offers up its software prowess. Unlike Sony's, Oculus' and Google's VR projects, though, Samsung's delivering a consumer product this year with Gear VR. But is it too early?
Here's what Samsung's VR headset looks like in real life
Sure, you've seen a 3D render of Samsung's widely leaked virtual reality headset, but what's it like in the real world? Well, you may be looking at it right now -- The Verge has posted what it says is a photo of the Oculus-backed eyewear. It's not quite as sleek as the earlier imagery, but the basic formula lines up with what we've heard; a faceplate at the front lets you plug your phone in and use it as a screen for VR games and other apps. The biggest change from the early image is the presence of a focus dial that helps you see clearly. There's no certainty that this is exactly what Samsung will unveil at next month's IFA show, assuming it's authentic in the first place, but it wouldn't surprise us in the least to see this wearable display on stage.
The battle for virtual reality: Google, Samsung, Sony and Oculus VR
Back in June, Google revealed Cardboard: an open-source attempt at mobile virtual reality. Heck, even the "hardware" is open source -- here are instructions to make your own, right now! But the concept is more than a low-tech solution to mobile VR. It's emblematic of Google's approach to virtual reality: use the phone that's already in your pocket. Samsung's taking the same approach later this year with Gear VR, only it's also partnering with Oculus VR on the software side. This stands in stark contrast to the PC-dependent, ultra-high-res experience Oculus VR and Facebook are aiming to achieve. The Oculus Rift headset both literally and figuratively kickstarted the re-birth of virtual reality in modern technology. It remains the peak of technological achievement in virtual reality. And now, the medium is splintering into two distinct futures: one of entertainment, the other of immersion.
This is what Samsung's virtual reality headset, Gear VR, looks like
Wondering what Samsung's virtual reality headset looks like? Well stop wondering, because when it's announced at IFA 2014 later this year, it'll look something like what you see above. That's a render straight from Samsung, care of SamMobile. Our sources confirm that, while what they've seen isn't exactly like what's pictured above, it's very similar; we're guessing the render is a closer approximation to the retail model than the developer kits currently in the wild. Keep in mind Samsung still hasn't even teased the headset we detailed last month across two reports. It remains a peripheral: You'll use it in conjunction with your phone, which plugs in via USB and acts as your screen. The hardware is built by Samsung; the software by Oculus VR -- the folks behind the incredibly impressive Oculus Rift.
Samsung's 'Gear VR' trademark sounds a lot like a virtual reality headset
Heard some of those Samsung VR headset murmurs? Well, you probably heard them from us, but here's the latest updates: the company has just registered a trademark for "Gear VR". The Engadget editorial team had posited a few naming ideas for Samsung's VR wearable on a recent podcast, but it seems the company is keeping it simple. Gear would fold said device into its family of wearables, while VR stands for... well, we're not going to spell it out. [Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
