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Samsung Gear VR: Difference between revisions

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Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
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Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Samsung Gear VR
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = Phone VR
|Subtype = [[Mobile VR]]
|Platform = [[Android]] (Samsung Galaxy)
|Platform = [[Oculus Home]]
|Creator = [[Samsung]], [[Oculus]]
|Creator = [[Samsung]], [[Oculus VR]]
|Announced = September 2017 (SM-R325)
|Developer = [[Samsung]], [[Oculus VR]]
|Release = 2017
|Manufacturer = [[Samsung]]
|Price =
|Announcement Date = September 3, 2014 (IFA Berlin)
|Website = https://www.samsung.com
|Release Date = November 27, 2015 (consumer version)
|OS = Android (via phone)
|Price = $99 (consumer), $129 (2017 with controller)
|CPU = Host phone dependent
|Website = https://www.samsung.com/ (discontinued)
|GPU = Host phone dependent
|Versions = SM-R320 (Innovator), SM-R321, SM-R322, SM-R323, SM-R324, SM-R325
|Storage = Host phone dependent
|Requires = Compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone
|RAM = Host phone dependent
|Predecessor = None
|Display = Phone display (AMOLED)
|Successor = None (discontinued)
|Resolution = Phone dependent
|Operating System = [[Oculus Home]] (Android-based)
|Refresh = Phone dependent
|Chipset = Powered by smartphone
|Brightness =
|CPU = Powered by smartphone
|FOV = 101°
|GPU = Powered by smartphone
|PPD =
|HPU =
|Lenses = Wide lenses
|Storage = Powered by smartphone
|IPD =
|Memory = Powered by smartphone
|Eye Tracking =
|SD Card Slot = Via smartphone
|Hand Tracking =
|Display = Smartphone display (AMOLED)
|Tracking = 3DoF
|Subpixel Layout = PenTile (smartphone dependent)
|Spatial Mapping =
|Peak Brightness = Smartphone dependent
|Speakers = Phone speakers/headphones
|Resolution = Smartphone dependent (up to 2960 × 1440)
|Microphone = Phone microphone
|Pixel Density = Smartphone dependent
|Audio Jack = Phone dependent
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Connectivity = Phone dependent
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Ports = USB Type-C / Micro USB
|Field of View = 96° (early models), 101° (SM-R323+)
|Battery = Phone dependent
|Horizontal FoV = ~96-101°
|Weight = 345g (0.76 lbs)
|Vertical FoV = ~96-101°
|Materials =
|Average Pixel Density = Smartphone dependent
|Colors = Black, Orchid Gray
|Peak Pixel Density = Smartphone dependent
|Sensors = Accelerometer, gyro, proximity
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Input = Touchpad, Gear VR Controller
|Optics = Aspheric lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Focus wheel adjustment
|Adjustable Diopter = Yes (focus wheel)
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = 3DoF (rotational only)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (IMU)
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = 60Hz
|Tracking Volume = Stationary/seated
|Play Space = Stationary
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Via smartphone (3.5mm or Bluetooth)
|Microphone = Via smartphone
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Pass-through from smartphone
|Camera = No (phone camera not used)
|Connectivity = USB (Micro-USB or USB-C)
|Ports = USB to smartphone
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = Via smartphone
|Bluetooth = Via smartphone
|Power = Powered by smartphone
|Battery Capacity = N/A (uses phone battery)
|Battery Life = ~2-3 hours (drains phone battery)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = 207.8 × 122.5 × 98.6mm (SM-R325)
|Weight = 345g (with controller)
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = Elastic straps
|Haptics = Controller haptics (2017 version)
|Color = Frost White, Blue Black, Orchid Gray
|Sensors = Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, geomagnetic sensor
|Input = Touchpad, back button, volume keys, Gear VR Controller (2017)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Samsung Gear VR''' is a [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Samsung Electronics]] in collaboration with [[Oculus]]. The Gear VR uses Samsung Galaxy smartphones as its display and processor, with the headset providing lenses, sensors, and a touchpad interface. The SM-R325 model (2017) added the Gear VR Controller and support for the Galaxy Note 8. Samsung ended XR application services on September 30, 2020.<ref name="samsung">{{cite web|url=https://www.samsung.com/us/business/support/owners/product/gear-vr-with-controller-sm-r325/|title=Gear VR with Controller (SM-R325)|publisher=Samsung}}</ref>
The '''Samsung Gear VR''' is a discontinued [[mobile VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Samsung Electronics]] in collaboration with [[Oculus VR]], first announced at IFA Berlin on September 3, 2014. The consumer version launched on November 27, 2015 at a price of $99.99, establishing the Gear VR as one of the most accessible and widely-adopted VR headsets of the early VR era. Unlike PC VR headsets, the Gear VR used a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone as its display and processor—users simply inserted their phone into the headset shell, which provided optics, an IMU for enhanced head tracking, and a touchpad for input. Through the partnership with Oculus, Gear VR users accessed content via the Oculus Home platform, giving them access to thousands of VR experiences. The Gear VR service was officially terminated on September 30, 2020, marking the end of an era for smartphone-based VR.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


=== Samsung and Oculus Partnership ===
=== Samsung-Oculus Partnership ===
Samsung partnered with Oculus (later acquired by Meta) to develop the Gear VR, combining Samsung's smartphone hardware with Oculus's VR software expertise.
Collaboration announced in 2014:
* Samsung provided hardware manufacturing
* Oculus provided VR expertise and platform
* Leveraged Galaxy AMOLED displays
* Combined mobile and VR innovation


=== Multiple Generations ===
=== IFA 2014 Announcement ===
Samsung released several Gear VR models:
Unveiled alongside Galaxy Note 4:
* '''Innovator Edition (2014):''' Galaxy Note 4
* "Innovator Edition" designation
* '''SM-R321 (2015):''' Galaxy S6/S6 Edge
* Developer-focused initial release
* '''SM-R322 (2015):''' Galaxy Note 5, S6+
* Limited initial availability
* '''SM-R323 (2016):''' Galaxy S7/S7 Edge
* Technology demonstration
* '''SM-R324 (2017):''' With controller
* '''SM-R325 (2017):''' Galaxy Note 8 support


=== End of Service ===
=== Innovator Edition ===
On May 11, 2020, Samsung announced the end of XR application services, terminating on September 30, 2020.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Gear_VR|title=Samsung Gear VR|publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref>
Early versions for developers:
* SM-R320 (Note 4 compatible)
* SM-R321 (S6 compatible)
* Limited retail availability
* $199-$249 price point


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Consumer Version ===
Mass market release November 2015:
* SM-R322 model
* $99.99 retail price
* Wider Galaxy compatibility
* Oculus Home platform


=== Phone-Powered System ===
=== Subsequent Versions ===
The Gear VR relies on Samsung Galaxy smartphones for:
Regular hardware updates:
* Display (AMOLED screen)
* '''SM-R323 (2016)''': USB-C support, wider FOV (101°)
* Processing power
* '''SM-R324 (2017)''': Note 8 support, controller included
* Storage
* '''SM-R325 (2017)''': Latest version with controller
* Battery


=== Optical System ===
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''Field of View:''' 101 degrees
* '''Lenses:''' Large, wide-angle lenses


=== Sensors ===
=== Mobile VR Accessibility ===
Core design principle:
* Leverage existing smartphone investment
* Low additional cost ($99)
* No PC required
* Easy setup and portability
 
=== Smartphone as Computer ===
Utilizing mobile hardware:
* Galaxy's AMOLED display for VR
* Mobile processor for rendering
* Phone's storage for content
* Existing app ecosystem
 
=== Enhanced Tracking ===
Beyond smartphone sensors:
* Custom IMU in headset
* Lower latency than phone alone
* 1000Hz sensor polling
* Smoother head tracking
 
== Hardware Generations ==
 
=== SM-R320 (Innovator Edition for Note 4) ===
First generation:
* Compatible with Galaxy Note 4
* 96° field of view
* Micro-USB connection
* Focus wheel
 
=== SM-R321 (Innovator Edition for S6) ===
S6 compatibility:
* Galaxy S6, S6 edge support
* Similar specifications
* White color option
 
=== SM-R322 (Consumer Edition 2015) ===
Mass market version:
* Galaxy Note 5, S6 series support
* $99.99 price
* Blue Black color
* Improved comfort
 
=== SM-R323 (2016) ===
Major upgrade:
* USB-C port added (alongside Micro-USB)
* 101° field of view (expanded)
* Galaxy Note 7, S7 support
* Blue Black color
 
=== SM-R324 (2017) ===
With controller bundle:
* Galaxy S8, Note 8 support
* Gear VR Controller included
* Orchid Gray color
* $129 price point
 
=== SM-R325 (2017) ===
Final version:
* Galaxy S9 series support
* Latest compatible model
* Continued controller inclusion
* Same $129 price
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Smartphone Display ===
Resolution depended on phone:
* '''Galaxy S9+''': 2960 × 1440
* '''Galaxy S8''': 2960 × 1440
* '''Galaxy Note 8''': 2960 × 1440
* '''Galaxy S6''': 2560 × 1440
 
=== AMOLED Advantages ===
Samsung display benefits:
* True blacks
* Fast pixel response
* Low persistence possible
* Good color saturation
 
=== PenTile Subpixels ===
Samsung AMOLED characteristic:
* Diamond PenTile arrangement
* Visible screen door effect
* Trade-off for OLED benefits
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Aspheric Lenses ===
Simple optical design:
* Fixed aspheric lenses
* 96-101° field of view
* Adequate for mobile VR
 
=== Focus Wheel ===
Diopter adjustment:
* Focus wheel on top
* Adjustable for different vision
* Reduces need for glasses
* Convenient feature
 
=== Field of View Evolution ===
Improved over time:
* 96° (SM-R320, R321, R322)
* 101° (SM-R323+)
* Competitive with mobile VR peers
 
== Tracking System ==
 
=== 3DoF Only ===
Rotational tracking only:
* No positional tracking
* Seated/stationary experiences
* Head rotation captured
* Limited movement
 
=== Custom IMU ===
Enhanced sensors:
* Accelerometer
* Accelerometer
* Gyro sensor
* Gyroscope
* Proximity sensor
* Geomagnetic sensor
* Better than phone IMU alone


=== Weight ===
=== Low Latency ===
345 grams (0.76 lbs) without phone.
Tracking performance:
* 1000Hz IMU polling
* Low motion-to-photon latency
* Reduced motion sickness
* Smooth head tracking


== Gear VR Controller ==
== Gear VR Controller ==


Introduced with the 2017 models:
=== 2017 Addition ===
Wireless motion controller:
* Included with SM-R324/R325
* 3DoF tracking
* Trigger, trackpad, buttons
* AAA battery powered


=== Controls ===
=== Controller Features ===
* '''Touchpad:''' Press and swipe for selection/navigation
Input options:
* '''Back Key:''' Return to previous screen
* Trackpad for navigation
* '''Home Key:''' Return to home
* Trigger button
* '''Volume Keys:''' Adjust volume
* Back and home buttons
* '''Trigger:''' Action button
* Volume control


== Tracking ==
=== Interaction Model ===
Pointer-based interface:
* Laser pointer metaphor
* Point and click interaction
* Menu navigation
* Game interaction


3DoF (three degrees of freedom) head tracking via built-in sensors.
== Phone Compatibility ==


== Compatible Phones ==
=== Compatible Devices ===
Samsung Galaxy phones only:
* Galaxy Note 8
* Galaxy S9, S9+
* Galaxy S8, S8+
* Galaxy S7, S7 edge
* Galaxy Note 5
* Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+


=== USB Type-C ===
=== Exclusions ===
* Galaxy Note 9
Not compatible:
* Galaxy Note 8
* Galaxy S6/S7/S8 Active
* Galaxy S9 / S9+
* Non-Samsung Android phones
* Galaxy S8 / S8+
* iPhones
* Other manufacturers


=== Micro USB ===
=== Connection Types ===
* Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge
Dual USB support (later models):
* Galaxy Note 5
* Micro-USB (older phones)
* Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge / S6 Edge+
* USB-C (newer phones)
* Both ports on headset


== Software Platform ==
== Software Platform ==


=== Oculus Home ===
=== Oculus Home ===
Main facility for downloading and using content on Gear VR.
Content ecosystem:
* Oculus-powered store
* Thousands of apps and experiences
* 360° videos
* VR games


=== Content Distribution ===
=== Notable Content ===
Oculus Home served as the primary software distribution platform.
Popular experiences:
* Netflix VR
* Minecraft Gear VR Edition
* 360° video content
* Social VR apps


== Specifications ==
=== Samsung VR Video ===
Media platform:
* 360° video content
* Samsung-curated content
* Discontinued September 2020
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Construction ===
Plastic shell design:
* Lightweight plastic body
* Elastic head straps
* Foam face padding
* Phone cradle mechanism
 
=== Touchpad ===
Side-mounted input:
* Touch-sensitive trackpad
* Tap and swipe gestures
* Back button
* Volume controls
 
=== Weight ===
Reasonable for mobile VR:
* 345g with controller
* Plus phone weight
* Acceptable comfort
* Elastic strap distribution
 
=== Ventilation ===
Heat management:
* Passive ventilation
* Phone generates heat
* Can get warm during use
 
== Audio ==
 
=== No Built-In Audio ===
Relies on smartphone:
* 3.5mm pass-through
* Bluetooth headphone support
* Phone speakers (not ideal)
* User provides audio solution
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Video Consumption ===
Primary use case:
* 360° video viewing
* Netflix, Hulu VR
* YouTube VR
* Virtual cinema experiences
 
=== Casual Gaming ===
Mobile VR games:
* Casual game experiences
* Puzzle games
* Exploration games
* Limited interaction (3DoF)
 
=== Social VR ===
Communication:
* Oculus Rooms
* Social spaces
* Avatar interaction
* Virtual hangouts
 
=== Education and Training ===
Enterprise applications:
* Training simulations
* Educational content
* Real estate tours
* Product demonstrations
 
== Commercial Impact ==
 
=== Market Penetration ===
Widespread adoption:
* Millions of units sold
* Often bundled with phones
* Accessible price point
* Introduced many to VR
 
=== VR Awareness ===
Cultural impact:
* First VR for many users
* Demonstrated VR potential
* Built VR interest
* Mainstream exposure
 
=== Limitations Exposed ===
Mobile VR challenges:
* 3DoF not enough for advanced VR
* Overheating issues
* Battery drain
* Phone compatibility fragmentation
 
== Service Discontinuation ==
 
=== September 30, 2020 ===
End of service:
* Oculus Home support ended
* Content no longer accessible
* Samsung VR Video discontinued
* Hardware rendered largely useless
 
=== Reasons ===
Market evolution:
* Standalone VR (Quest) superior
* Mobile VR market declined
* 3DoF obsolete
* Development ceased
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== VR Accessibility ===
Pioneered affordable VR:
* $99 entry point
* Millions experienced VR
* Proved mobile VR demand
* Market validation
 
=== Standalone VR Foundation ===
Led to Quest development:
* Lessons from mobile VR
* User experience research
* Content ecosystem development
* Oculus partnership continued
 
=== Market Lessons ===
Industry learnings:
* 6DoF necessary for immersion
* Standalone better than phone-dependent
* Quality matters over convenience
* Content ecosystem critical
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Type || Phone VR headset
| Display || Smartphone AMOLED
|-
| Resolution || Phone dependent (up to 2960×1440)
|-
| FOV || 96-101°
|-
|-
| Partnership || Samsung + Oculus
| Tracking || 3DoF (rotational only)
|-
|-
| Field of View || 101°
| Sensors || Custom IMU (accelerometer, gyro, magnetic)
|-
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF
| Controller || Gear VR Controller (3DoF)
|-
|-
| Controller || Gear VR Controller
| Compatibility || Samsung Galaxy phones
|-
| Connection || USB (Micro-USB/USB-C)
|-
|-
| Weight || 345g (without phone)
| Weight || 345g (without phone)
|-
|-
| Sensors || Accelerometer, gyro, proximity
| Price || $99-$129
|-
|-
| Service Status || Discontinued (Sept 2020)
| Status || Discontinued (September 2020)
|}
|}
== Legacy ==
The Gear VR was one of the most successful mobile VR platforms, introducing millions of users to virtual reality through their existing Samsung smartphones. Its success influenced the development of standalone VR headsets like the [[Oculus Quest]].


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Samsung]]
* [[Samsung]]
* [[Oculus]]
* [[Oculus VR]]
* [[Phone VR]]
* [[Mobile VR]]
* [[Google Daydream View]]
* [[Google Cardboard]]
* [[Oculus Go]]
* [[Google Daydream]]
* [[Oculus Quest]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Phone VR]]
[[Category:Mobile VR]]
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:Discontinued]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Samsung_Gear_VR"