Samsung Gear VR Controller: Difference between revisions - VR & AR Wiki

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{{Device Infobox

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~~==Introduction==~~

[[Samsung]] and [[Oculus]] have jointly developed a [[Input Devices|motion controller]] for the [[Gear VR]] [[headset]]. Gear VR Controller has [[IMU]]s for [[rotational tracking]] only.

[[Samsung]] and [[Oculus]] have jointly developed a [[Input Devices|motion controller]] for the [[Gear VR]] [[headset]]. Before the launch of the [[Gear VR Controller]], users had two ways to control the virtual world. They either had to use a Bluetooth gamepad or use the trackpad/controls on the headset. Both these methods offered limited features and functionality. The new Samsung Gear VR Controller offers the users a more interactive, immersive, and intuitive virtual reality experience.

Before the launch of the [[Gear VR Controller]], users had two ways to control the virtual world. They either had to use a Bluetooth gamepad or use the trackpad/controls on the headset. Both these methods offered limited features and functionality. The new Samsung Gear VR Controller offers the users a more interactive, immersive, and intuitive virtual reality experience.

Samsung launched the controller along with the company’s latest Gear headset. It’s believed that the controller is compatible with all previous versions of the Gear VR headsets, except the earliest release. The Samsung Gear VR Controller can be bought along with the virtual reality headset or separately.

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The index finger controlled trigger button is the most interesting feature of the Samsung Gear VR Controller. The trigger button on the controller does more than one function. Although the basic use of the index finger trigger button is shooting, it can also be used as a button to make the player hold an object in the virtual world. Normally, the shooting and holding function are seen only in high-end virtual reality systems such as HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

~~==Tracking==~~

The controller does improve the previously [[gaze]]-only input of the Gear VR. If the controller drifts, you can hold down the Home button on the controller at any time to quickly recenter it.

~~Gear VR Controller has [[IMU]]s for [[rotational tracking]] only. It does not have [[positional tracking]] like the [[Oculus Touch]].~~ The controller does improve the previously [[gaze]]-only input of the Gear VR. If the controller drifts, you can hold down the Home button on the controller at any time to quickly recenter it.

==Setting Up the Gear VR Controller==

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==Oculus Home==

Samsung Gear VR Controller’s use extends beyond games and apps. Inside the Oculus Home interface, the controller can be used as a navigation tool. The Gear Controller makes the menu selection and browsing the internet an enjoyable experience. The higher resolution picture quality offered by Oculus makes web page browsing and reading fun.

==PC and Windows Support==

PC and Windows support mainly depends on third-party applications like [https://shimuraworkshop.github.io/Gear-VR-Controller-Motion-Pointer-for-Windows/ Gear VR Controller Motion Pointer for Windows]. Without the need of the Gear VR headset and a mobile phone, this kind of applications with buttons and motions remapping capability can convert the controller into an air mouse, motion pointer, wireless presenter, or even gyro and motion gamepad. Light gun emulation is possible if supported by games or emulators.

These applications open a door to adapting the lightweight controller for different flat-screen non-VR settings. For example, the controller becomes able to support gyro aiming or light gun emulation in games like THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD Remake series, light gun emulation in classic rail shooters like Virtua Cop and Time Crisis, etc running on MAME emulator, also in shooter games running on many other arcade or console emulators.

Bluetooth pairing is made simple by some of the applications with no manual pairing needed. Pairing of 2 or more Gear VR controllers with Windows at the same time is also supported.

==Cost==

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The price may seem a bit high if you compare Samsung’s VR headset and controller with Google’s Daydream View. But, the Gear VR controller is a much more sophisticated gadget with better design and features. The Samsung Gear VR Controller is a high-end gadget available at a low-end product price.

It should be noted that the Gear VR headset and controller are compatible only with Samsung phones. Samsung Galaxy S6 and later models can be used with the Gear headset. Samsung’s collaboration with Oculus is sure to speed up the evolution of the virtual reality headset and accessories.

It should be noted that the Gear VR headset and controller are compatible only with Samsung phones without third-party applications. Samsung Galaxy S6 and later models can be used with the Gear headset. Samsung’s collaboration with Oculus is sure to speed up the evolution of the virtual reality headset and accessories.

==References==

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*http://www.roadtovr.com/samsung-gear-vr-with-controller-review/

*http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/gear-vr/

*https://shimuraworkshop.github.io/Gear-VR-Controller-Motion-Pointer-for-Windows/

[[Category:Input Devices]] [[Category:Samsung Gear VR]]