Gear vr black silver virtual reality glasses. Review of virtual reality glasses Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR is a virtual reality headset made in collaboration with Oculus. The equipment gives you access to movies, games and other content that we can “step into” to get a full 360-degree view.

Virtual reality with Samsung Gear VR glasses

The glasses themselves are a fairly simple device. The most important design element is the set of lenses through which we see the phone's screen. In our case, it was the screen of the Samsung Galaxy S6, since we tested the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition for the S6. Samsung also offers a version designed for Galaxy Note 4 smartphones. There are differences in the phone's mounting system.

Samsung Gear VR device and connection

The lenses are made of plastic. The parts in contact with the skin are made of soft foam and, in some places, leatherette. The device has a small touchpad, a back button, volume and focus controls. Samsung Gear VR glasses do not have their own battery, so they use a smartphone battery. However, you can connect a charger; there is a micro-USB port for this.

The equipment can also be used with headphones, but they are connected to the jack on the smartphone, although this is not particularly necessary; the sound from the phone's speakers is sufficient for operation.

The smartphone is connected to the USB port on the glasses and placed in special mounts. The Gear VR has a sensor that detects when the glasses are in use. After putting the equipment on our head, the Oculus Gear VR application automatically launches, and we immediately begin to immerse ourselves in virtual reality.

Features of using Samsung Gear VR glasses

Compatibility with diopter glasses was immediately checked. Users with visual impairments also have the opportunity to use this device. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of space inside the Samsung Gear VR, making it very difficult to fit the device on top of your glasses (if possible), so wearing lenses or moving the device further towards the tip of your nose is preferable, but you're unlikely to get the full viewing experience.

Virtual reality glasses are very comfortable to use. The foam in contact with the skin is soft and pleasant to the touch. Gear VR has a significant range of adjustment, so the device easily adapts to the head. More importantly, the device completely limits the penetration of light from outside, which increases the effect of complete immersion in the virtual world.

Samsung Gear VR perfectly reads head movements; during testing, it never happened that the glasses “understood” the movement incorrectly. If such problems suddenly appear, you can calibrate the device without removing it from your head. Unfortunately, all screen pixels are visible to the naked eye, which affects image quality. Even the QHD resolution (1440x2560 pixels) of the Samsung Galaxy S6 cannot help here.

Samsung has provided a very interesting option - built into the pause menu. If you need time to return to the real world, but it is inconvenient to take off your glasses, then it is possible to get an image from the main camera of your smartphone on the screen. As a result, everything that is in front of us is visible.

Samsung hasn't forgotten about notifications. They appear inside the virtual world in the form of small plates suspended in space. These are standard Android notifications that provide a preview of messages or an incoming call. This allows you to immediately decide whether to leave the virtual world or let things wait.

Watching videos using Samsung Gear VR

First, it should be emphasized that 360-degree videos are not like 3D videos. 360 degree video is an immersive experience within which the viewer can look around and rotate. Stereoscopic 3D, in turn, creates a similar spatial experience as when watching 3D movies in a movie theater.

The most important news is that Samsung Gear VR can play both types of video content, as well as combinations of them, such as 3D movies. Moreover, the glasses also allow you to watch the videos you have shot and downloaded. Simply move the files to the appropriate directory in the smartphone’s memory.

Samsung Gear VR has two main video viewing apps - Oculus 360 Videos and Oculus Cinema. The first one is used to watch movies. Initially, several examples are immediately available to us, among which there are both 2D and 3D videos. It's interesting, although the demos provided are short, but they leave an incredible impression. The application also allows you to watch downloaded films, the database of which is already quite extensive on the Internet.

The second Oculus Cinema application is used to watch “flat” films. The application simulates a virtual cinema, the picture occupies almost the entire field of view. By turning your head, you can even see the cinema scenery. An interesting option is to change them to slightly more extravagant ones. The video can be viewed, for example, on the lunar surface or from the point of view of an ant on a smartphone left in the forest. The experience is amazing because the environment dynamically reacts to changes in color and brightness of the film.

In theory, the Oculus Cinema app replaces the movie theater. We can lie on the bed with Samsung Gear VR + headphones on our heads and go to the movies without leaving home. However, such a system will become truly interesting only when the screen resolution of smartphones improves significantly.

The main app you can use Samsung Gear VR with is Oculus Gear VR. It starts automatically as soon as the glasses are put on your head. This is a kind of store with various materials.

Oculus Gear VR provides access to a variety of content: games, movie apps, concerts recorded in 360 degrees, or movie trailers adapted for virtual reality glasses. Some content is paid, but the vast majority is freely available. When we open the application without glasses on our head, it uses the most common design. But once you connect the Gear VR, it takes the form of a virtual room in which the menu floats in the air.

In terms of the quality of available footage, the most impressive are the movie trailers, especially Jurassic World and Avengers: Age of Ultron. The biggest impression was made by Cirque du Soleil Curios. The choreography, costumes, atmosphere and quality of the sets are of an extremely high level. There is so much going on on stage that even after watching it multiple times you still find something new. Another successful example is concert recordings, including those of Paul McCartney.

Unfortunately, not all materials are made at such a high level as illustrated in the demo. Most of them are very simple, and this catches your eye. After a few minutes, the initial delight subsides due to the monotony and lack of any meaning. Gaming content requires a Bluetooth controller.

Additional Samsung Gear VR apps

Unfortunately, there is also a big drawback in compatibility with various applications in VR. As already mentioned, as soon as the Gear VR is on your head, the Oculus Gear VR automatically launches, which does not turn off. We can't use other VR apps, of which Google Play now offers a huge variety. An example is the same Google Cardboard.

The problem with Gear VR is that the Oculus VR application starts automatically when the glasses are on your head. You can, of course, take a workaround. The smartphone can be inserted into the mount without the USB connection built into the glasses. This is physically possible, but the phone is placed on a slight slope and, as a rule, is not held very securely in the clasps. This solution works well and allows you to view content, but it has its drawbacks. In this position of the smartphone, we have no way to control the “action” on the screen. If, for example, we want to pause a movie, we must remove the glasses from our heads, take out our smartphone and simply press the pause button.

This is a bit odd because being able to watch spherical content from YouTube is pretty much the accepted standard. It's a shame that Gear VR doesn't allow this.

Samsung Gear VR and the maze

Samsung VR glasses also became a challenge for the maze. Some of this material makes you dizzy and nauseous within just a few seconds of viewing. The worst experiences are dynamic games in which we look at the world through the eyes of the hero. Our eyes see a picture in which we are supposedly moving quickly, although at this time the body is simply on a chair. The brain receives conflicting information and cannot cope with it. We tried for a long time to get used to this effect, but after two weeks we still didn’t succeed.

This unpleasant effect applies exclusively to the labyrinth. In most other materials, we can simply look around while at one point. And viewing such materials does not entail any unpleasant sensations. Thus, Samsung Gear VR performs much better in movies than in games.

Bottom line

This is the big question: is the Samsung Gear VR worth buying? On the one hand, the device provides something new, and virtual reality is something that just needs to be seen. I think this is the future of entertainment. The first contact with the BP gearbox is simply stunning, and I think there is not a single person who will not be impressed by the device.

On the other hand, the equipment is very limited, and too expensive for the capabilities it provides. Samsung Gear VR costs about $250 and requires a Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone. In addition, not everything is perfect in this generating equipment.

The Oculus VR app contains quite a lot of content, but most of it is for fairly one-time, short-term enjoyment. Thus, after two weeks of fun, you can get acquainted with literally everything that the equipment offers. The salvation, of course, will be your own films, which you can watch in VR.

However, do not forget about Google’s offer, which is an interesting addition in the form of all specialized solutions, including VR. I'm talking about the universal Google Cardboard glasses, which can be purchased for 10 dollars. The equipment is much less developed, but it allows you to watch spherical films.

Overall, if you have a Samsung Galaxy S6 or Note 4 and the $250 price tag for a few hours of entertainment doesn't put you off, the Samsung Gear VR glasses are a great choice.

Pros

• An amazing experience, this has never happened before.
• Perfect reading of head movements.
• A large database of games, videos and other materials available in the Oculus Gear VR application.
• The ability to watch videos that you made yourself.
• Convenient control using the touch panel.
• Lots of thoughtful touches, such as the ability to look into the real world using a smartphone camera without taking off your glasses.

Cons

• Individual pixels are visible.
• Inability to exit the main application.
• Lack of its own headphone jack.
• Conflicting feelings from games.
• Only a specific smartphone can be connected.

If you have joined the ranks of virtual reality glasses owners , you can look forward to a fully immersive VR experience with an extensive collection of high-definition Android smartphone apps and a variety of unique features of the latest technology. This is a universal gadget capable of conveying the most accurate perception of virtual reality at almost the same level that today's full-length gaming headsets are capable of. And .

But while many are waiting for decent AAA computer games and saving money for a sufficiently productive system, the owners Samsung a wide range of virtual reality entertainment is already offered in comparable immersive quality at much lower costs and without any special settings.

Yes, of course, there will be no standard 3D graphics with cinematic special effects, but that’s not what mobile VR was created for. There is something equally impressive and much more affordable!

Starting from panoramic 360-degree on YouTube, live VR- And in 360-VR format and ending with full-fledged virtual reality games and special applications. There are already so many of them, both paid and free, that it should be designated as a “Must Have” for every owner of virtual reality glasses Samsung Gear VR. To download them you need to go to Oculus Store (instructions). So, let's go.

1. Minecraft: Gear VR Edition

Everything is simple here - it's , and it's in VR format! If you still haven't got a single stick or stone in this cute cubic world, then you've lost a lot. And even more so, it would be strange to miss one of the most popular virtual reality games when you have the opportunity to literally immerse yourself in it.

Advantages:- first person view;
- full compliance with the capabilities of the mobile application Minecraft: Pocket Edition(and therefore, over time, the original PC version);
- game simulation mode in front of a large TV;
- Minecraft!

Price: 6.5 dollars.

2. Smash Hit VR

Adaptation of a famous mobile game for a virtual reality headset Smash Hit. The amazing destructive atmosphere of the environment is now closer than ever to our imagination. The whole process is based on exploring rooms filled with minimalist geometric shapes, where your task is to destroy window glass, sculptures and other environmental objects.

Advantages:- very simple and exciting arcade game;
- destruction tactics to get extra balls;
- beautiful environment and thrill effect.

Price: for free.

3. Hitman GO: VR Edition

needs no introduction for mobile game lovers. But if you managed to bypass this masterpiece of the portable entertainment industry, then together with a virtual reality headset, this puzzling imitation of a “board game” with figures and tactical gameplay will turn into amazing entertainment for many, many evenings.

Advantages:- perfectly polished graphics;
- impressive VR simulation of a board game;
- a large number of exciting killer tasks with turn-based gameplay.

Price: 8 dollars.

4. Land's End

A virtual reality game that vaguely resembles a “tube” mobile puzzle game Monument Valley, but is built solely around the basic principles of virtual reality on mobile devices. All tasks are performed by simply turning the head and directing the gaze. Believe me, there is a lot to see there!

Advantages:- calming views with detailed landscapes;
- the natural terrain hides many secrets;
- very simple controls.

Price: 8 dollars

5. Netflix VR

Recently to Russia Netflix You can watch it not only on TV or computer. A virtual reality headset gives us the opportunity to sit in front of a giant screen, or recreate a cozy atmosphere somewhere on the alpine slopes of Switzerland in a huge cottage... Oh yeah, sorry, there are no 360-degree video wonders there. But there is an incredibly relaxing environment for watching simple 2D films.

Advantages:- various virtual places for privacy and watching movies/TV shows;
- the highest level of mobile graphics with shadows, visual effects and so on;
- extensive collection of video content Netflix(though not everything is in Russian).

Price: Netflix paid subscription.

6. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

In this entertainment application " Keep talking and no one will explode“We are shown randomly generated bombs wrapped in wires and buttons. Our task is to solve puzzles that allow us to defuse an explosive device. It’s better not to carry out mining work in real life, so we put on a virtual reality helmet and... call friends who can help unlock some components through voice chat - they will have instructions on their hands. They shout that you are doing everything wrong, but everything blinks and beeps! The situation is heating up and...

Advantages:- each bomb is generated randomly, the instructions are always new;
- incredible level of immersion in VR in cooperative mode.

Price: 10 dollars.

7. EVE Gunjack

A very distant attempt to absorb the atmosphere of one of the coolest space shooters Eve Valkyrie, but quite fascinating and interesting given the opportunity to immerse yourself in the shoes of a fighter pilot in the vacuum space of our vast Universe.

Advantages:- a simple arcade shooter with excellent graphics;
- a very deep immersion into the world of the game for mobile VR.

Price: 10 dollars.

8.Within

A true showcase of the world of 360-degree cinema. There are experimental short films, music videos, and even amazing documentaries. On Within entrusted with the task of popularizing the format among owners of virtual reality helmets.

Advantages:- a lot of high-quality 360-degree VR content;
- Opportunity to participate in music videos.

Price: for free.

9. Proton Pulse

Another very easy to learn VR arcade game with maximum immersion, like a roller coaster. Even at 2K resolution, you'll get the smoothest visuals available in mobile VR. The gameplay is based on destructive passage - the destruction of blocks.

Advantages:- control only by turning the head;
- funny and comical situations to show VR to friends.

Price: 3 dollars.

10. Dreadhalls

A horror story with exploration of an unfamiliar area, opening doors and the terrifying contents of the rooms. Intriguing puzzles and adventures are guaranteed.

Advantages:- Uncertainty behind every new step and unquenchable fear.

Price: 5 dollars.

11. Samsung Milk VR

Samsung has its own VR video portal with 360-degree videos. The benchmark for quality and immersion, hand-picked recordings showcase everything the Gear VR headset is capable of. The application is required to be installed if you plan not only to watch, but also to participate a little in what is happening.

Advantages:- service for publishing reference 360-degree panoramic videos.

Price: for free.

12. The Night Cafe

There are virtual reality games for long hours of wandering, and if there are very simple and unpretentious entertainments like The Night Cafe for some 30 minutes of diving. But they are definitely worth it. A classic painting of the same name by Vincent Van Gogh, in which we become part of a mesmerizing world of bright colors and enjoy the artistic content, including a stunning soundtrack.

Advantages:- the highest degree of artistic design of virtual reality.

Price: for free.

13. Soundscape

Until now, not a single effective tool for composing music has been created for virtual reality. But in Soundscape, the developers managed to create something that is impossible not to enjoy in a creative impulse. By pressing buttons on a special control board, we turn into composers. It is enough to watch the video to understand what the process is.

Advantages:- the most addicting music app.

Price: 3 dollars.

14. Oculus Arcade

Perhaps it all started with these slot machines. The entire gaming industry, which today has reached the point where it imitates these very machines almost in our heads! Classic will never die. Amazing games from the past can now be replayed in a special atmosphere using virtual reality.

Advantages:- Over 20 classic games with or without gamepad support.

Price: for free.

15. Colosse

Finally, we offer you the best demonstration of virtual reality technology on mobile devices. Colosse reproduces landscapes and environments of amazing quality, shows a sweet story with a deep study of the plot and the game universe. This is the first thing you need to show your friends!

Advantages:- the most mesmerizing visual experience for mobile VR.

Price: for free You can upload the data to the cloud Google) - if the installation is unsuccessful, they can be erased.

First commercial product on the Oculus platform

In September 2014, at the IFA exhibition in Berlin, Samsung, along with traditional mobile innovations, presented something completely unexpected: the Samsung Gear VR virtual reality helmet. The word Gear in the name means that the device belongs to the Samsung line of wearable gadgets (Gear Fit, Gear S, Gear 2), and the abbreviation VR stands for virtual reality.

The device went on general sale at the end of the year, although it is not yet distributed in all countries. In particular, Gear VR is not yet sold in Russia. However, this did not stop us from getting to know the new product and getting an idea of ​​its prospects. But first, let's look at the background history of this product so as not to get confused in the future.

Background: Oculus Rift

In 2012, fans of new technologies were excited by the Oculus Rift project, which involved the creation of a virtual reality helmet. Fundraising on Kickstarter brought the project's authors $2.4 million, and most importantly, the attention of investors from all over the world, who gave a total of another $91 million. This allowed the release of the first development kit (test version of the helmet) in the summer of 2013.

It was bulky, not particularly aesthetically pleasing in appearance, and the screen resolution was only 1280x800 (640x800 for each eye). However, this was enough for the IT industry to fall in love with Oculus, and Mark Zuckerberg himself decided to buy the project, and for a fabulous $2 billion. Let us emphasize that the young company has not yet achieved profitability and has not yet released the final commercial product, then we can say that two billion were paid for a classic startup.

The reasons why the creator and head of Facebook needed a company that creates a virtual reality helmet are still not entirely clear. If the investor was backed by a game studio or some major player in the Entertainment market (such as Sony), then this could still be explained. But what is the connection between the social network and the Oculus project? Mystery. However, it is already clear that from the point of view of the expediency of the investment, Zuckerberg was right: probably, today the capitalization of Oculus is already higher than the amount he paid.

Having hit the big jackpot, the guys from Oculus did not relax, but, on the contrary, began to scale new heights. Already in the summer of 2014, the second version of the development kit appeared: Oculus Rift DK2.

The picture resolution has increased to 1920x1080 (960x1080 for each eye), the body has become more compact. It is claimed that a commercial version is due to be released soon, and it will be based specifically on DK2.

What's inside the Oculus Rift DK2? The craftsmen from iFixit disassembled the device and found that it uses a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display as a screen.

The illustration clearly shows that even the Samsung logo and the slot for the branded button remained untouched.

Well, since Oculus uses the smartphone’s display anyway, why not use the entire smartphone, in addition to finding a use for its electronics and sensors? Apparently, this is exactly what Samsung and Oculus thought. Already in June 2014, it was announced that Samsung and Oculus were jointly developing a virtual reality helmet that works in conjunction with a smartphone. And in September at IFA 2014 it became clear that these rumors were not groundless. However, it turned out that the final version does not work on the Galaxy S5, as expected, but on an even newer device: the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. And this gave previously unattainable picture quality, since the Note 4’s screen has a resolution of 2560x1440.

Thus, the helmet in this case acts as something like an accessory to a smartphone - unlike the Oculus Rift, it is not an independent device. But its cost is significantly lower than it could be in the case of a full-fledged device: on the official Samsung website the helmet costs only $199, so for owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 this is a completely affordable option.

Our video review will help you make a first impression of the Samsung Gear VR virtual reality helmet:

Now let's take a look at the characteristics of the new product.

Samsung Gear VR Specifications

• Optical lenses: 96° field of view
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, proximity sensor
• Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy Note 4
• Connection: Micro-USB
• Dimensions: 198×116×90 mm
• Weight: 379 g

Such a short list of characteristics is explained simply: all other components necessary for operation are used from the smartphone (you can find its detailed characteristics in our review).

Well, now let's take a closer look at the device.

Equipment

The Samsung Gear VR virtual reality helmet arrived to us in an unusual box with round shapes.

There is a zipper in the middle along the entire body. Thus, when the zipper is completely unzipped, the box opens into two halves.

Inside the box is the helmet itself, as well as a cloth for wiping the helmet lenses and smartphone screen. In our case, a smartphone was also included in the box, but it is obvious that the commercial copy costing $199 will not include a smartphone; it must be purchased separately. But there will be a microSD memory card that needs to be inserted into the smartphone to download application content to it.

Noteworthy is the absence of any chargers or control units. But the helmet itself does not require recharging; it is powered by a smartphone, and the issue of controlling the helmet is resolved using the case. How exactly - we will tell you about this now.

Design

The helmet is a massive plastic structure, which is secured to the head with two straps so that the main unit is directly in front of the eyes.

On the inner (that is, adjacent to the user’s face) side of the helmet there are foam pads glued to a flexible silicone backing. Thus, the helmet will fit tightly and comfortably to the face, regardless of the shape of the nose, eye size, etc. However, of course, you will have to slightly adjust the straps so that the entire structure rests firmly on the head and does not move out.

When you put on a helmet, you have two lenses right in front of your eyes, both on your side and on the opposite side.

This is where the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone is placed - so that its screen faces the lenses.

Fixing occurs as follows: using the Micro-USB connector, the smartphone is inserted into the corresponding plug on the plastic protruding part on the left.

And on the right, the smartphone is fixed until it clicks with a plastic fastener. If the smartphone needs to be removed from the helmet, then you need to press the ribbed button.

After the smartphone is secured in the helmet, a cover made of translucent dark plastic is put on the outer front side of the helmet (where we see the back of the smartphone). Again until it clicks.

Now comes the fun part: the controls. There are three elements on the helmet body: first, the touchpad on the right; secondly, there's a physical back button (it's located right above the square touchpad). Everything is clear with the button, but as for the touchpad, it recognizes horizontal swipes (they work like swiping, for example, when navigating through a menu) and single touches (taps), which work like selecting the object the cursor is pointing at. However, you don’t need a touchpad directly inside applications - all control is carried out simply by turning your head.

The third element is a ribbed wheel on the top. It is needed in order to adjust the optimal position of the smartphone - a little closer or a little further from the eyes. For example, this can be very important for people who wear glasses (obviously, you cannot use a helmet with glasses on).

It is quite difficult to evaluate the design of a helmet as a whole, because there is simply nothing to compare it with. And the question of appearance, which usually arises in connection with wearable devices, is irrelevant here: the last thing a person wearing a helmet will think about is how he looks from the outside. If we talk specifically about the functional side of the issue, then, perhaps, the main complaint is the lack of headphones (the sound is reproduced only using the built-in speakers of the smartphone), as well as the absence of a “Home” button, which would be very useful.

Using the helmet and pre-installed applications

Well, put on the helmet and start using it. The very first seconds of being in the helmet are impressive: in front of us is an amazingly three-dimensional three-dimensional image! We are shown information about safety precautions (and already at this stage the user bursts out in amazement “wow!”), and then we find ourselves in the main menu.

It is, naturally, three-dimensional: in front of us are huge (the size of movie posters in a cinema) tiles with the names of applications. So, the starter kit includes: Oculus 360 Photos, Oculus 360 Videos, Tutorial, Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana, Oculus Cinema, VR Introduction, VR Gallery. Let's comment on each of these applications.

• Tutorial - a guide that allows you to learn how to operate the helmet, your first acquaintance with it;
• VR Introduction - 360° promotional video demonstrating the capabilities of the helmet
• Oculus 360 Photos - many 360° photos (nature, famous landmarks, space, etc.);
• Oculus 360 Videos - eight 360° videos
• Oculus Cinema - virtual cinema with seven 3D trailers and two multi-screen trailers
• Cirque du Soleil's Zarkana - 360° promotional video for the circus show
• VR Gallery is a virtual viewer of photos and videos that you have on your smartphone.

Readers, of course, have a question: what is “360°” in this case? The easiest way to understand this is by simply wearing a helmet. But we will try to explain using a real life example. When you are in real space, the picture you see (or potentially see) is not just three-dimensional, as in a 3D movie, but surrounds you on all sides. You can turn to the right and see one thing, to the left - another, back - a third... Moreover, all these are not separate images (as in a multi-screen cinema), but rather a single space.

That's exactly what 360-degree imaging in Samsung Gear VR is all about. For example, in Oculus 360 Photos we can open a photo of the great Gaudi's Casa Mila building in Barcelona - and feel like we are on its roof. We see objects not only in front of us, but from all sides, including under our feet and above our heads. Moreover, in order for them to come into view, you just need to turn towards them - just like in the real world.

There are three differences from the real world: firstly, you cannot see yourself (your arms, legs, body) - as if you have become an invisible person; secondly, you cannot move (that is, even if you take a real step, the image before your eyes will not change); and thirdly, you cannot touch objects or interact with them in any way.

However, even despite this, the immersion effect is many times stronger than even in the best IMAX cinema. In fact, you are deceiving your brain: it has no evidence of your presence here, and not in the space you see (except perhaps indirect signs of the unreality of this space). Sitting in a movie theater or playing video games, you can look in the other direction or at your feet and see the real world. In a helmet, nothing but virtual space enters your field of vision. And it's amazing. You are in the Matrix :)

The Oculus Cinema application is very interesting. It imitates a cinema, that is, there are chairs to the right and left of you, you sit approximately in the center of the hall, in front there is a large screen. On it you can watch one of seven 3D trailers: “Interstellar”, “Transformers 4”, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”, etc. The feeling is almost the same as in a real cinema. It seems to you that the screen on which the video is shown is really huge. By the way, if you get tired of the “regular” cinema, you can “move” to a more intimate home cinema and even to a cinema on the moon. The same seven trailers will be available there, only the screen will stand directly on the lunar surface, to your right you will see a chair with a projector, and in the distance above - the Earth. It would seem like pampering! But incredibly impressive!

Alas, there is not a single full movie here, and in general the pre-installed set of applications rather resembles some kind of advertising set: trailers, commercials... Except that Oculus 360 Photos and Oculus 360 Videos can keep you busy for a long time. And for additional content you need to go to the virtual store, accessible both from the helmet (of course, if there is an active Internet connection on the smartphone) and from the smartphone.

Smartphone applications

To conveniently install additional applications or remove existing ones, you will need the Oculus application. It was already installed on our smartphone.

If we go into the application itself and click on the menu on the left, we will see four items: Featured, Games, Apps and Experiences. The few applications for Gear VR that are currently available are sorted into these categories. There are 18 of them in total (including those already installed on the helmet).

Yes, yes, there are no thousands or at least hundreds of applications here. And among what is there, there are no real hits or things that could live in your helmet for a long time. On the other hand, the purpose of these applications is experimentation: to understand how and in what areas a helmet can be used. Therefore, the developers did not chase the quality and volume of content, but rather relied on the idea. For example, what if you put the user on stage next to a real rock band? This is exactly the idea behind the NextVR app, which allows you to be behind Coldplay's Chris Martin performing A Sky Full of Stars.

But of course, the games look especially interesting here. For example, Vanguard V. Imagine: you are flying in space, and you need to dodge oncoming asteroids, simultaneously shooting down various space objects with a laser. To shoot, just turn your head towards the object so that the sight falls on it. Well, in order to successfully fly around a block of stone that is rapidly approaching you, sometimes you have to bend down, jump, and jerk to the side...

For now, these are all very simple toys, but just the thought that one day you can play Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed in the same way is breathtaking!

Impressions and conclusions

Samsung Gear VR, as well as its progenitor Oculus Rift, is still an experimental project for enthusiasts. The practical use of the device is limited by the paucity of content. And the image quality is not yet ideal: the picture is too grainy, and this catches the eye, so we are waiting until we can increase the resolution even more (so this is why ultra-high resolution is needed in smartphones!). There is also a problem with eye fatigue: while wearing a helmet, you get tired quite quickly.

In general, the problems can be listed for a long time. This includes the lack of headphones (because of this, the helmet user cannot be in the same room with other people, as it disturbs them), and the short battery life (the smartphone in the helmet quickly discharges). There is room for improvement in terms of interaction with a smartphone. For example, if a call comes in on a smartphone inserted into the helmet, then you cannot answer without removing the helmet - you need to take out the phone (at least it’s good that you can answer the call without removing the helmet). It is also surprising that it is impossible to use a smartphone camera to create augmented reality (although, it would seem, there are no technical obstacles to this - the smartphone is turned the right way).

But we must understand that this is the first step, and it is truly impressive. During testing, I let my colleagues and relatives wear the helmet. Everyone had the strongest impressions, almost no one remained indifferent. Because this is truly something completely new, incomparable in terms of wow effect to 3D in all forms, or even to Google Glass smart glasses. Now we can safely say: virtual reality is no longer just words!

This innovative device certainly deserves our editorial Original Design award.

After the huge wave of popularity that the first ones gathered, the company also created its own device. She decided not to reinvent the wheel, and followed in the footsteps of those already trodden. Together with me, I created my own version of a virtual reality helmet, which they called . Despite the fact that many users do not know how to use Gear VR, it is not difficult at all

The first versions of the device appeared back in 2014. The gadget weighs about 300 grams. Due to the fact that Samsung Gear 360 is intended for use with Samsung flagships, virtual reality glasses use the built-in sensors of smartphones, but they also have their own “gadgets”, for example, a head rotation and tilt sensor.

It's easy to do. If you are using Gear VR with virtual reality glasses for the first time, then after the first connection, which will occur through the mini-USB input, a notification will appear on your smartphone. It will ask you to disconnect it from the Oculus Samsung Gear Vr in order to download a special Oculus program and set up your account.

This cannot be done through the interface of the virtual reality helmet itself, but the good news is that such setup and calibration will only have to be done once.

As you know, Gear VR virtual reality glasses were developed specifically for the Galaxy line of phones, and they are simply not compatible with smartphones from other manufacturers. At least physically, because not all phones can be inserted into glasses.

However, many users who set up and launch Samsung Gear VR note that they want to access other virtual reality applications, such as others, but they cannot. This is not strange, because they are not included in the products. But this problem is solved as follows:

1. Disables the Oculus process, which starts automatically when the phone is installed in the helmet. You can do this using paid applications, such as Package Disable Pro.
2. The program starts and Oculus services are disabled (there are three in total).
3. Gear VR turns into an ordinary Google Cardboard, which uses all the content for virtual reality glasses located in the Play Market.

If the user wants to switch back to Samsung Gear VR mode, nothing will stop him - just resume previous processes.

How to play games with Samsung glasses?

There isn't much for the Gear VR headset at the moment, but you can still choose something that you like. . You can even learn new skills there, albeit in the virtual world.

In order to run any game, you must:

• Install a special market program for glasses called Oculus on your smartphone;
• Next, you need to connect the headphones to the virtual reality glasses and install a smartphone in them;
• Put on the glasses and download/run the 3D game.

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The best virtual reality glasses for Samsung phone users.

When it comes to VR on phones, Samsung Gear VR has always been one of the best platforms. But now, paired with a motion controller, you are bound to convince yourself to buy a Samsung smartphone.

Verdict

For virtual reality newcomers, the new Gear VR is one of the best options on the market and one of the most affordable, too. If you have one of the latest Samsung phones or one released in the last two years, this headset and controller combo becomes the best option.

• Lighter and more convenient;
• Support 2 year old Samsung phones;
• Great controller;

• Larger and more expensive Daydream View;
• The controller's battery is not rechargeable;

The revised Gear VR (2017) features a sleek, slightly improved design with a USB-C connector that supports and. However, the important aspect of the upgrade is the wireless controller.

It's a small remote that looks similar to the HTC Vive controller, offering a touchpad on top and a trigger. And until it wins awards for originality, it just works. Placed on the right or left, the controller complements phone controls, and motion control promises a new level of interactivity that early Gear VR sorely lacked.

While the number of games supporting motion control is small at the moment, it's off to a pretty good start. was a step forward in this direction when it launched last year, but we expect Samsung and Oculus to catch up quickly.

Overall, with a solid and growing collection of VR content and a new controller, the Gear VR headset is a no-brainer recommendation. It's lighter, more convenient, and cross-compatible with older Samsung phones. However, if you already have a previous version of the headset, you can purchase the controller separately.

SamsungGearVR: Price and release date

The new Samsung Gear VR (2017) goes on sale on April 21 for $129 (about 7,500 rubles) and includes an updated virtual reality headset and a new controller.

For users who already own Gear VR, Samsung plans to sell the controller separately for $39 (about 2,200 rubles).

For comparison, the 2015 Gear VR cost $99 (about 6,000 rubles), but the price has dropped by almost half at some retailers.

* International prices are 20-30% lower than retail prices in Russia.

Design

The appearance of the new Samsung Gear VR virtual glasses, relative to earlier versions, is not night and day, however, the headset has lost a quarter of its weight. Compared to Google's sleeker, smaller Daydream View headset, the Gear VR's size is still monstrous, but the extra size comes with a set of unique features versus Google's one-size-fits-all headset.

First, the optics inside the glasses can be adjusted using a dial (on the outside of the glasses) to properly focus the image relative to the eyes. The Google headset has a fixed focus and may require some extra effort to get a clear image.

Mounting and light protection have always been good on the Gear VR and the new model is no exception. A welcome upgrade is the headset's breathability. The first iteration of the VR headset simply fogged up after a few minutes of use, causing fog to appear on the lenses, like on a mirror after a hot shower. However, additional vents under the eyes correct the problem.

Compared to the previous model, the pillows that fit the face around the eyes and nose have become noticeably cozier and more comfortable. In the box you will find a controller holder that can be mounted on the head strap, very convenient for storing the accessory.

The buttons and port layout are familiar on the new headset, although they have received some tweaks. To match the new controller's layout, the new headset's touchpad has a home button so you can switch from whatever app or game you're using.

A controversial decision, but Samsung offers stick-like solutions for the touchpad. Of course, if you've used Gear VR before, you'll probably get the hang of the change easily. But early VR users may be confused because the new solution doesn't offer the most intuitive control scheme.

Instead of using the original MicroUSB location on the bottom of the Gear VR, which was used to keep the phone charged, the new headset features a USB-C port that does the same thing. Samsung is touting it as a multi-function port, so it's likely that we'll see additional accessories that expand the functionality of the headset, like a controller.

Samsung includes a replaceable MicroUSB adapter that provides compatibility with the following devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S7
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5
• Samsung Galaxy S6
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus

And, most likely, refurbished versions of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

ControllerSamsung next to the controllerDaydream.

ControllerSamsungGearVR (2017)

The little controller, of course, becomes the highlight of the headset, so let's get to the bottom of it. The motion-enabled controller is dark in color, just like the 2017 Gear VR, although it looks great with the older model as well.

Powered by two AAA batteries, the small controller has a volume control, as well as a round touchpad, with back and home buttons mimicking the buttons on the side of the headset. There's a built-in trigger in the back, which would be nice to use in first-person shooters.

There are several games that support the controller, and the overall gameplay is as good as you'd expect if you've ever played with a Daydream headset or even a Nintendo Wii. You can aim with the controller in the virtual reality world, shoot or pick up objects. Compared to others, the Samsung controller performs at the same level.

For most users who pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus early, the new headset and controller are available for free. However. Even at $2,200, the new controller is a welcome and well-built addition to the Gear VR family.

Software

Samsung has made the controller compatible with the apps and games that are currently available to users. The trigger and touchpad perform the same simple "Confirm" command, but the ability to use them differently is not yet available.

Considering the Samsung Gear VR first debuted in 2015, it's no surprise that the headset has amassed a sizable library of games and apps.

Samsung Gear VR has made a name for itself by featuring highly popular titles like Eve Gunjack, Minecraft and Lands End. Plus, if you're itching to try something new, you'll be able to enjoy new games everywhere as the developer community is eager to bring new games to the store.

Compared to Google Daydream, Samsung has a significantly larger library of titles, but given the abundance of products, the issue of quality comes up quite often. However, the five-star rating system does a decent job of informing users.

The problem of the Samsung headset lagging due to sudden head movements cannot be solved by the gyroscope built into the controller, but it will allow your hand to rest instead of constantly holding it next to your temple while pressing the headset buttons.

However, when you run older games that rely on head movement, it seems strange that the motion controller stops working completely. Software and motion control fragmentation is an issue that Google Daydream View hasn't seen, but it's not long-lasting as all new games are released with controller support.

Performance

The gaming experience you expect from the new Samsung Gear VR headset relies entirely on the smartphone you place inside. If it's a Samsung Galaxy S8, every game and app will run without a hitch, thanks to (Exynos 8895 in Russia) and 4GB of RAM.

Because the new headset is compatible with an expanded range of Samsung phones released in the last two years, your performance results will vary. It's safe to say that the older the chipset of your smartphone, the more likely you are to experience frame drops and rapid overheating of the device, which will force you to stop playing until the phone cools down.

Luckily, the company has been putting 2560 x 1440 pixel panels on its flagships since 2015 (the S8 and S8 Plus are 2960 x 1440), so you can count on the same level of pixel density no matter what smartphone you're using.

Pairing the controller with your phone couldn't be easier. Similar to the magical process of connecting AirPods to iPhones, with one tap on the new motion controller, you request a connection to a nearby smartphone.

Verdict

The new Samsung Gear VR is a slight evolution with minor changes and improvements. While the headset dwarfs the Google Daydream View in terms of size, it offers notable advantages, along with focus adjustment and wide device compatibility.

The inclusion of a motion controller makes the Gear VR worth purchasing if this is your first entry into the world of virtual reality. While the batch of software supporting the controller is small, the potential for VR gaming fans is huge, given that Oculus (Facebook) and Samsung are working together to develop the controller.

The decision to purchase the new Gear VR (2017) depends on the phone you are using or planning to buy. Samsung has decided not to support Google Daydream, while Google is working with companies like ZTE, Motorola and Huawei.