Samsung makes virtual reality cheap with $99 Gear VR | #OC2

Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset that is paired with the company’s smartphones, is poised to expand its media menu with the addition of compatible apps from Netflix, Hulu and Twitch, with several more partners on deck.

The Gear VR is powered by a mobile device and is supported by Samsung’s 2015 smartphone line, including the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Edge Plus, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge. The headset looks largely the same as its predecessor, though Samsung claims it’s 22 percent lighter and “much more comfortable to wear”.

Oculus also announced range of new content for its virtual reality products, including new agreements with game developers and movie producers. Samsung said that the new Gear VR should be available in the USA starting November, just before Black Friday. Say, for example, that the Oculus Rift flops but the PlayStation VR is a success.

However, Samsung’s partnership with Oculus for creating the third Gear VR edition might signal a universal Gear VR for mobiles, reported Phones Review. “With Oculus Video, we are leveraging the scale and flexibility of mobile, while continuing to deliver a powerful, emotional experience for consumers”. The Gear VR’s relatively low price-point and relatively wide compatibility options could help change that. The new Samsung Gear VR will roll out in November if you’re looking to pick one up.

Keep in mind this is a budget headset, so the phone itself powers the virtual reality experience. Also, Samsung’s knocked the price down to $100, or half of what the previous versions cost. The Oculus Rift headset is not as accessible as the Gear VR because it requires wiring to an expensive gaming computer.

Oculus chief technology officer John Carmack announced the app in the afternoon on a day when Netflix shares were slowly climbing.