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What makes Samsung's mobile VR consumer-ready? Marketing
A consumer release is en route for Gear VR. Hey, alright! If you've been paying attention, you might realize the problem with that first sentence, though. Think for a few minutes, I'll be here. Give up? Well, here's the answer: Unlike Oculus' still-in-prototype Rift headset, you can go to Best Buy's website today, throw down $200 and, boom, you'll have a head-mounted virtual reality display. Just like that. Okay, you'll need a Galaxy Note 4 too. But still, it already exists.
Oculus offers $1 million prize pool for Gear VR developers
Oculus VR has a challenge for aspiring game and app developers: Create something new and exciting for the Gear VR Innovator Edition, Samsung's Oculus-powered headset, and get a shot at a cash prize from a $1 million pool. The Oculus Mobile VR Jam 2015 kicks off on April 13 and ends on May 11, with sign-ups open now at ChallengePost. The Jam -- and the cash -- is split between two tracks, "Games" and "Apps or Experiences," with Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in each segment. The top Platinum Game gets $200,000, while the Platinum App or Experience snags $100,000. There are multiple winners for each of the remaining ranks, and prizes bottom out at $10,000 for each Bronze victor.
Samsung's Gear VR Innovator Edition arrives next month in the US
If you've been eyeing Samsung's Gear VR headset to pair with that Galaxy Note 4, you might soon be in luck. The company announced today that the Innovator Edition of the virtual reality gadget will be available stateside in December. Of course, the Gear VR is powered by Oculus tech, using that super-sized smartphone's 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display to sort the "fully immersive" experience. In order to properly show off the device, Samsung and Oculus teamed up with the likes of Marvel, DreamWorks, Cirque du Soleil and others to craft VR offerings in hopes of convincing you to commit your funds. We're talking things like a tour of Tony Stark's Lab in advance of The Avengers: Age of Ultron. The first time a Note 4 is connected to the Gear VR, Oculus software will automatically download to the handset for wrangling purchases, watching movies and more. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing, but while you wait, you can opt for updates from Samsung in the meantime.
