Received this on 11/24. I had also ordered one via Tmobile as the shipment for this one was delayed with it being too late for me to cancel this before the Tmobile one shipped. Very bad on Amazon's part considering I ordered on the 11th to not give any anticipated ship date in advance of shipping. Regardless, now on to the device:
One word...AMAZING!!! After trying the Google Carboard, this blows that experience out of the water. One can only imagine what the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Playstation VR will be like when those are released next year. However, none of those are portable, this is.
When setting this up, just follow the included pictures for the straps. I actually do connect the head strap as it just feels more comfortable on my face when I do. I think its not quite as featherly light as reviewers seem to make this out to be. I mean it's holding a Note 5, plus the device, so though its not heavy, you definitely feel it on your face or nose. It's not like wearing sunglasses. Regardless, its not bad and i played for 4-5 hours straight and was fine toward the end. just make sure you adjust the straps to fit comfortably and you'll be fine.
One recommendation I'll give up front is not to force anything when putting it in. Your phone should easily click into the micro usb port and then you push the phone in and then click down the other side so the phone sits in place. Removing it is a bit harder as that same piece that you click down to hold it in place doesn't exactly lift smoothly when you want take your phone out. Every time I do I'm wondering if that plastic piece will break. Anyway, it fits snug..though not with my Spigen Case on. Fortunately it's easy to take that case on and off.
Once you plug it in, it tells you to take it out and install the software. That's easy to do. I had an issue unfortunately where I must have had corrupted Oculus software when it downloaded for whatever reason. I'm not sure if it was due to my 360 Security, some other software on my phone, the internet which in my house is very very strong and fast (120mbps), but after a day of troubleshooting with a very responsive individual at Oculus, uninstalling all of the Oculus SW on my Note 5 under the application manager and then reinstalling solved the problem. Prior to reloading, I also uninstalled the 360 security protection just in case that was a problem. After I saw everything worked, I reinstalled the security and everything continues to work well.
Once your phone is plugged into the GearVR, it automatically turns it on and brings you to the Oculus Home Page. If it doesn't, take your phone out and try to put it in again. Maybe it wasn't in the MicroUSB slot properly. You may see some notification messages pop up during your experience, like the antivirus, or texts. If you hold the small back button near the controls, it brings up a menu where you can turn on Do Not Disturb. DO IT lol. It helps focus on the immersion of the experience.
You will notice a screen door effect, but the immersion is so wonderful, that you will quickly lose sight of that. Its not that bad at all. I suspect that subsequent phones in 4K in the future with another iteration of this device will lesson that one negative.
The field of view with the Note 5 is superior to the Google Cardboard and i felt totally immersed. There is almost no light that escapes in while I wear it. The foam really does a great job of insulating the experience. If you dim the lights, you shouldn't really notice any light at all.
For the controller, I used the Moga Pro Power which I got from Target and it works perfectly so far. There is an A and B setting which it will explain in the instructions. Use setting B. It works!
Though I have a lot more to try, these are the apps so far I recommend:
Ocean Rift: I downloaded the demo. This was the first WOW moment. Try the Shark. It was absolutely stunning. I was so impressed I felt that they deserve my money for that first WOW factor, so I paid for the full version.
Battle for Avengers Tower: Short, but an excellent way to feel the immersive experience this device offers and gives you an idea of what it would feel like to be inside of a movie (which I know is coming one day).
Jurassic World: Apatosaurus: Short, but very cool to see what it feels like to stand next to a Dinosaur.
VRSE: Great on the Google Cardboard, even better on the Gear VR.
Dreadhalls Demo: Very cool, but can make you dizzy if you aren't used to VR. Also a bit creepy, so if you aren't into surprises don't play this lol. However, excellent intro into VR gaming. Requires a controller I believe.
Titans of Space: Fantastic, especially if grew up loving astronomy and the planets. Great use of VR while learning at the same time.
Netflix: This is where portable wins. Have your own Big Screen TV anywhere you go.
Land's End: Not the world's best graphics, but something about the experience is very soothing with the music in the background, the proper use of colors, and the puzzles are fun. If you are not patient and don't like puzzle games, this is not for you. It doesn't require a controller.
Herobound Spirit Chamption: An excellent Legend of Zelda like game. Very very well done if you are new to VR.
There is a SocialVR app that lets you join a room and sit with up to 4 others. You chose an Avatar, so they obviously can't see the real you, and you watch videos together. The leader who started the room can boot you out (that happened to me as when I joined I inadvertently I guess took one of their friend's space lol). If you have a mic, you can talk to them. You don't have to if you don't want to, and by sliding the controller left and right on the side of your headset you can change seats if any are open :-). It's a great introduction to what we will see in the future. Imagine sitting on a beach with your family who are on the other side of the country, but you are all in a virtual world talking with each other..that's where this is going one day.
Anyway that's enough to get you started. I played last night for about 5 hours before draining the battery on my Note 5 and NOT ONE OVERHEATING ISSUE :-). That surprised me. Get this folks. Its the beginning of something wonderful. It has a long way to go, but this is a huge first step. I have so many ideas of how this could be used, so I hope they go in the direction of my head lol.
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From the manufacturer
At a Glance:
- Be transported to amazing new worlds, in games, video and images
- Thousands of 360 degree panoramic photos
- Improved easy to use touch controls
- Games and applications available from the Oculus VR app store
Samsung Gear VR
Amazing Virtual Reality Anywhere
Mobile virtual reality is finally here. With the Samsung Gear VR, you can play amazing games, watch Hollywood’s best movies in your own private cinema (or even on the moon!), socialize with friends new and old, be at the center of a suspense thriller, and so much more. The Gear VR drops you right into the action—and it’s only from Samsung & Oculus.
The next generation of Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus, has been upgraded with new and improved features:
- Lighter weight so you can play and watch more comfortably
- Improved fit, including room for most eyeglasses and improved padding for extra comfort and durability
- An upgraded touch pad that’s even easier to use
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CompatibilityCompatible with more phones (software update from your carrier required for S6 edge+ and Note5) - Galaxy Note5 - Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ - Galaxy S7, S7 edge There are amazing new things to do in Gear VR. Try hundreds of games, apps and experiences. |
Samsung Milk VRBringing you amazing 360° virtual adventures, Samsung Milk VR is video like you’ve never seen. You are literally surrounded by the action. Amazing tours around the world, some of the world’s coolest cars, celebrities, musical performances and documentaries. There’s always something new in Milk VR. |
Best of Hollywood EntertainmentBuy and watch hundreds of Hollywood movies & TV shows in Oculus Cinema. In Oculus Video, watch 2D videos including trailers, clips, and your own movie files in a completely new way. You can choose from multiple VR theater environments including a home theater, a huge screen theater, and even the surface of the moon! |
And Much, Much MoreEnjoy incredible premium games for purchase such as Eve: Gunjack and Land’s End - Play 20 arcade classics in Oculus Arcade - Stream over 1 million short films and videos on Vimeo - Keep up with the best gamers in Twitch - Enjoy amazing new 360° videos daily on Samsung Milk VR |
Jurassic World
Land's End
Eve: Gunjack
Netflix
Disclaimer:
2015 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung, Galaxy, Note, Gear, Samsung Milk VR and Super AMOLED are all trademarks owned or registered by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names, and marks mentioned are property of their respective owners and may be registered trademarks. Screen images simulated. Actual appearance may vary.
Use only in a safe environment. The Gear VR produces a distracting, immersive virtual reality experience that blocks your view of your actual surroundings. Read and follow warnings and instructions included with the Headset before use. The Headset should be calibrated before each use. Not for use by children under 13. A virtual reality experience may trigger health reactions. See a doctor before use if you have a history of seizures. Stop use if you experience a health reaction. Always be aware of your surroundings when using the Gear VR. Remain seated or stationary at all times. Take special care to ensure that you are not near other people, objects, stairs, balconies, windows, furniture, or other items that you can bump into or knock down when using – or immediately after using – the Gear VR headset. Do not handle sharp or otherwise dangerous objects while using the Gear VR. Never wear the Gear VR in situations that require attention, such as walking, bicycling, or driving.
Some apps and services may require payment or subscriptions to use. Netflix streaming membership required. Charges may apply.
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| HTC Vive | Oculus Rift | PlayStation VR | Samsung Gear | Google Cardboard | |
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| Customer Reviews |
3,201
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897
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1,785
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3,699
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| Price | — | $499.99 | $249.95 | $34.99 | — |
| MSRP | $799.00 | $599.00 | $399.99 | $99.99 | $15.00 |
| Platform | Windows PC | Windows PC | PlayStation 4 | Samsung Smartphone | Smartphone |
| Experience | Seated VR, Standing VR, Room-scale VR (up to 5 m diagonally), Positional tracking | Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR | Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR | Seated VR | Seated VR |
| Field of View | 110 degrees | 110 degrees | 100 degrees | 96 degrees | Varies |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 90 Hz | 90 - 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Display Resoluion per eye | 1080 x 1200 | 1080 x 1200 | 1080 x 960 | 1440 x 1280 | Varies |
| Headset Weight | 1.2 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 1.3 lbs | 0.7 lbs | 0.2 lbs |
| Fit | Adjustable headset strap, fits most glasses, 2 eye relief adjustments: lens distance from eye & interpupilliary distance | Fits glasses, Iinterpupilliary distance adjustment | Fits glasses, lens distance from eye can be adjusted, Iinterpupilliary distance adjustment | Fits glasses, focus adjustment | Varies |
| Included in the box | Headset, 2 x Controllers, 2 x Base Stations, Earbuds, Link Box, Link Box power adapter, Link Box mounting pad, 2 x Base Station power adapter, 2 x Micro USB chargers, Sync cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Cleaning Cloth, Alternate face cushion | Oculus Rift Headset, Camera Sensor, Remote, Xbox One Wireless Controller, Xbox USB Wireless Adapter, 2xAA Batteries, Integrated Headphone Removal Tool, 2 x Oculus Logo Stickers, Oculus Lens Wipe Cloth | Headset, Processor Unit, connection cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Stereo headphoes, AC power cord, AC adaptor, demo disc | Headset | Headset |
Videos
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Reviews with images
Very cool experience, everyone needs one of these
This is for sure one of the coolest thing you will ever try. It is awesome. The one thing I am having a problem with is overheating. After about 15 minutes of using the device the phone overheats. The Samsung Gear VR uses your phone to create an awesome 3d virtual world that is something I have never experienced before. I did somewhat fix the overheating problem by putting a fan on me while I wear the device. I know this is not the best fix in the world but it seems to work pretty well. I still get the overheating notifications, but the device is not shutting down anymore. There are 2 notifications with the overheating. One notification is that the device is starting to overheat and the other one is that the device has to shut down due to overheating. At first I did not really even notice the product had an overheating issue, because in only a few minutes of experiencing the 3D world I felt I needed to stop. Now, I am used to the experience and can spend at least 30 minutes or more without any issues. I watched a Cirque du Soleil show that was unbelievable. It truly is the next thing from being there that you can experience and for that reason I gave it a 5 star even with it having the overheating issue that I did somewhat overcome.To use it you just attach the head strap (its Velcro so its pretty simple) and then pop of the cover and plug your phone in. I would not put the cover back on because of the lack of air flow it will over heat even faster. Before you can actually use the Gear VR you will have to go online and get an Oculus account and then download the software to your phone.If you really want the full experience you will want to be sitting in a computer chair with enough room to swivel 360 degrees. Plus I would have a fan blowing on the device. I used a normal stand type isolating fan that I kept stationary right in front of me. I did some looking around online and some people have done some pretty cool modes to the Gear VR to mount fans in the cover, something you may want to think about if you get into the Virtual Reality. Virtual Reality is new and a product like this that brings it to you for under $100 is unheard of so for me even if I do have to make my own fan and mount it it is still a 5 star item. Hope this review helps you on better understanding the Gear VR.
Top reviews from other countries
Ian Fell
Don't walk round while wearing!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2016