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Samsung Gear VR

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Samsung Gear VR
Company typeProduct
IndustryVirtual reality hardware
FoundedAugust 21, 2015; 11 years ago (2015-08-21)
FounderSamsung Electronics, Oculus VR
DefunctSeptember 30, 2020 (2020-09-30)
FateDiscontinued; Samsung XR services terminated
Headquarters
South Korea / United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsVirtual reality headset
OwnerSamsung Electronics (manufacturing), Oculus VR (software)
ParentSamsung Electronics


Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox information appliance The Samsung Gear VR represents a virtual reality headset created through a partnership between Samsung Electronics and Oculus VR, with Samsung handling the manufacturing. It officially launched on August 21, 2015.

During operation, a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone serves as both the display and processing unit, while the Gear VR hardware functions as the interface, featuring the viewing optics and a custom-built inertial measurement unit (IMU) for rotational motion tracking. This connection is established via USB-C or micro-USB ports. Additionally, the headset incorporates a side-mounted touchpad, a back button, and a proximity sensor to detect when the device is worn.[1]

The initial announcement of the Gear VR occurred on September 3, 2014.[2] Prior to releasing the consumer model, Samsung issued two innovator editions aimed at developers and early adopters interested in exploring virtual reality content creation.

Overview

Designed specifically for use with Samsung’s premium smartphones, the Samsung Gear VR [3] supports only select Galaxy models. Compatible devices include the Samsung Galaxy Note 4#Galaxy Note Edge and Note 4, Samsung Galaxy S6#Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Note 5#Note 5 and S6 Edge+, Samsung Galaxy S7#S7 and S7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Samsung Galaxy S8#S8 and S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, Samsung Galaxy S9#S9 and S9+, as well as Samsung Galaxy S10#S10 and S10+.[4][5]

Devices such as the Galaxy Note10 series—including Note10, Note10+, Note10 5G, and Note10+ 5G—are incompatible with the Gear VR headset.[6][7]

Users can fine-tune focus via an adjustment wheel located atop the headset. On its right side sits a trackpad with home and back buttons positioned just above it. Volume controls are integrated into volume rocker buttons also found on this side. A USB-C port is accessible at the bottom edge of the device.[8]

Among Samsung’s primary hardware objectives was achieving Motion to Photon (MTP) latency below 20 milliseconds; optimizing both hardware components and kernel performance; and leveraging the QHD display of the Galaxy Note 4 to deliver high-resolution visuals within the headset. The field of view offered by the lenses measures approximately 96° on the first three models,[9][10] while it expands to about 101° for the R323 version.[11]

The primary platform for acquiring and managing content on the Samsung Gear VR is Oculus Home. This service acts as both a distribution channel for software and an access point for users to explore available applications. While gaming and simulation experiences represent its main appeal in mobile virtual reality, there is increasing interest in utilizing the device within scientific research and medical education contexts.[12]

History

While the consumer version of the Samsung Gear VR was launched in August 2015, Samsung had already secured a patent for a head-mounted display (HMD) as early as January 2005. This patent was among the initial concepts proposing the use of a mobile phone as the display unit for an HMD. However, the mobile technology available at that time restricted the potential quality and performance achievable. Samsung maintained ongoing internal research efforts focused on virtual reality and HMD technologies.

Following the introduction of the Galaxy S4 in 2013, Samsung established a dedicated team to create a virtual reality device compatible with smartphones. Although numerous prototypes were developed, the performance and display capabilities—despite the Galaxy S4’s Full HD screen—did not yet meet expectations. In 2014, Samsung collaborated with Oculus, renowned for their own VR device, the Oculus Rift, to assist in development. The Samsung Gear VR was officially revealed at Samsung’s press event during IFA Berlin on September 3, 2014, alongside the Galaxy Note 4, a smartphone capable of supporting it.

Hardware editions

The initial Gear VR model from Samsung, designated SM-R320, debuted in October 2014 and was exclusively compatible with the Galaxy Note 4. This first release primarily targeted developers to familiarize themselves with the device’s operation and to develop content in preparation for the consumer launch. It also allowed early adopters and technology enthusiasts to experience the new VR technology firsthand. The second version, SM-R321, arrived in March 2015 and supported only the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. This iteration introduced a micro-USB port for supplemental power to the connected device and incorporated a small fan to reduce lens fogging.

The subsequent model, SM-R322, commonly referred to simply as the Samsung Gear VR, was released on November 20, 2015. Pre-orders began on August 21, 2015, through Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung’s own channels, with stocks selling out on launch day. This edition featured several minor refinements compared to earlier versions. It expanded compatibility to six Samsung Galaxy devices including both S6 variants. Additionally, it was made 19% lighter than the original Innovator Edition and offered enhanced ergonomics alongside a redesigned touchpad for improved user navigation.

File:Lucas Giolito.jpg
Lucas Giolito wearing a Gear VR headset with a Galaxy S6 Edge in 2016

The SM-R323 model was introduced alongside the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and included subtle updates such as an expanded field of view, increased padding for comfort, a flat trackpad design, and alterations to the cover and body aimed at reducing glare. This version switched from USB Micro-B to a USB-C connector to ensure compatibility with the Note 7 and enabled data transfer through this port. Adapters were provided for users with older micro-USB devices. Following the recall and discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7 on October 11, 2016, Gear VR support for this smartphone was disabled due to safety concerns.

On March 29, 2017, Samsung unveiled an updated Gear VR model (SM-R324) designed to support the larger Galaxy S8, scheduled for release alongside the phone on April 21, 2017. Alongside this headset came a handheld Gear VR Controller accessory bundled with the new model but also available separately for older devices. This controller remained compatible with all previously supported headsets.

Later that year, on September 15, 2017, Samsung introduced another updated version (SM-R325) compatible with the larger Note 8, released concurrently with the phone. This iteration also included a handheld Gear VR Controller bundled with it and offered separately as an accessory for existing devices while maintaining backward compatibility with supported models.

Conclusion of Samsung support

On May 11, 2020, Samsung declared the discontinuation of its XR application services. The entire service was officially terminated on September 30, 2020.
Following this announcement, the ability to upload 360° videos and purchase premium content was immediately halted. Access to previously acquired premium videos remained available until the service ended on September 30, 2020. Additionally, updates for both Samsung XR and Samsung VR Video applications ceased with this notification.

Support for the Samsung VR Video app on Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, and Oculus Quest concluded on June 30, 2020, coinciding with its removal from the Oculus VR marketplace.

By September 30, 2020, all Samsung XR user accounts were deactivated, with all related account details and data permanently erased from the platform. Moreover, all videos published on Samsung XR were taken down. The Samsung VR Video application lost support for Samsung Gear VR and Windows Odyssey devices and was subsequently removed from both the Oculus and Microsoft Mixed Reality stores. Support for the Samsung XR mobile app on Android devices was also discontinued, leading to its removal from the Galaxy Store and Google Play.

Oculus (currently operating as Reality Labs) continues to maintain support for the Oculus Gear VR application.

SM-R320

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

SM-R321

  • Samsung Galaxy S6
  • Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

SM-R322

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5
  • Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

SM-R323

  • Samsung Galaxy S7
  • Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 7

SM-R324

  • Samsung Galaxy S8
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8
  • Samsung Galaxy S9
  • Samsung Galaxy S9+
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 9
  • Samsung Galaxy S10
  • Samsung Galaxy S10+

References

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External links

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Samsung Gear VR.Template:Preview warning

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