Best Buy is the first retailer to put Samsung’s Gear VR on shelves starting today – in over 100 stores all around the country. It was available to purchase for a short time earlier this year also, at the price of 199,99$ – we expect the price to remain the same. The official name for the virtual headset is Gear VR Innovator Edition – a model designed specifically for developers, but that doesn’t mean a home user can’t try it out.
If you’re planning on buying one of these bad boys you’ll need to have the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. The phablet works as the VR’s eyes and ears – think about it as the screen and processor that helps the VR function properly. The Gear VR was developed using the same software as the Facebook owned Oculus Rift.
Some users have stated that they made the VR headset also work by pairing it with Note Edge, but Samsung doesn’t recommend any tinkering to its hardware, nor software – they do not offer support for any smartphone, or tablet, except the Galaxy Note 4.
Samsung has hinted that the Gear VR Innovator will be also available to Samsung S6, and S6 Edge users – at this moment the company is performing extensive tests regarding the compatibility of the software.
In a strategy to somehow take the spotlight from Oculus Rift, and engulf all of their fan-base, Best Buy will set up demo stations in over 100 stores so potential customers can give it a try before deciding whether or not to buy it.
Virtual Reality headsets can immerse you in a 360° video environment allowing you to explore new alien worlds, sing along on-stage with your favourite performer, watch movies like you are a part of them, and experience a video-game from a complete new perspective.
There are also some warnings regarding the usage of Virtual Reality headsets – some users have reported feeling nauseous, and entering a state of dizziness for a couple of minutes, while wearing the Gear VR Innovator, or other VR devices. Not all owners have reported such problems, and it seems to be random – depending on person to person. Rumours have it that adding a virtual nose, so its users sees it constantly, will alleviate these issues by adding a balance compass.
Is this a trend that will eventually pass? Or are we witnessing the revolution of home entertainment?
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