Samsung and Oculus announce consumer version of Gear VR for $99, coming this fall

After releasing “Innovator Edition” variants of its virtual reality headset, Samsung has finally announced the consumer variant of the Gear VR today in collaboration with Oculus VR. The Gear VR works with recently released high-end smartphones from Samsung – the Galaxy S6, the Galaxy S6 edge, the Galaxy S6 edge+, and the Galaxy Note 5.

The Gear VR features 54 ~ 70 mm fixed lenses that provide 96-degree field of view, and is equipped with a bunch of sensors including an accelerometer, a gyrometer, and a proximity sensor. It can be connected to Samsung's latest smartphones using a microUSB connection. The Gear VR will be available in Frost White color for $99 starting this fall.

The South Korean smartphone giant claims that the new Gear VR is 22 percent lighter than previous Gear VR Innovator Editions. Apparently, this new virtual reality headset includes a new foam cushioning for better comfort, and an improved touchpad for better greater control while consuming media. We will report about the exact launch date when we get more information about it.

Asif Iqbal Shaik - Senior Editor

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First Samsung device: T100

Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S21 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.

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