Samsung Gear VR
| Samsung Gear VR | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Phone VR |
| Platform | Android (Samsung Galaxy) |
| Creator | Samsung, Oculus |
| Website | https://www.samsung.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Host phone dependent |
| GPU | Host phone dependent |
| Storage | |
| Storage | Host phone dependent |
| Display | |
| Display | Phone display (AMOLED) |
| Resolution | Phone dependent |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Phone microphone |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Phone dependent |
| Ports | USB Type-C / Micro USB |
| Device | |
| Weight | 345g (0.76 lbs) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Input | Touchpad, Gear VR Controller |
Property "Platform" (as page type) with input value "Android]] (Samsung Galaxy)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.
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.[1]
History and Development
Samsung and 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.
Multiple Generations
Samsung released several Gear VR models:
- Innovator Edition (2014): Galaxy Note 4
- SM-R321 (2015): Galaxy S6/S6 Edge
- SM-R322 (2015): Galaxy Note 5, S6+
- SM-R323 (2016): Galaxy S7/S7 Edge
- SM-R324 (2017): With controller
- SM-R325 (2017): Galaxy Note 8 support
End of Service
On May 11, 2020, Samsung announced the end of XR application services, terminating on September 30, 2020.[2]
Design and Hardware
Phone-Powered System
The Gear VR relies on Samsung Galaxy smartphones for:
- Display (AMOLED screen)
- Processing power
- Storage
- Battery
Optical System
- Field of View: 101 degrees
- Lenses: Large, wide-angle lenses
Sensors
- Accelerometer
- Gyro sensor
- Proximity sensor
Weight
345 grams (0.76 lbs) without phone.
Gear VR Controller
Introduced with the 2017 models:
Controls
- Touchpad: Press and swipe for selection/navigation
- Back Key: Return to previous screen
- Home Key: Return to home
- Volume Keys: Adjust volume
- Trigger: Action button
Tracking
3DoF (three degrees of freedom) head tracking via built-in sensors.
Compatible Phones
USB Type-C
- Galaxy Note 9
- Galaxy Note 8
- Galaxy S9 / S9+
- Galaxy S8 / S8+
Micro USB
- Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge
- Galaxy Note 5
- Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge / S6 Edge+
Software Platform
Oculus Home
Main facility for downloading and using content on Gear VR.
Content Distribution
Oculus Home served as the primary software distribution platform.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Phone VR headset |
| Partnership | Samsung + Oculus |
| Field of View | 101° |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Controller | Gear VR Controller |
| Weight | 345g (without phone) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Service Status | Discontinued (Sept 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.