Category: gear vr controller

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Oculus’ Hugo Barra Unboxes the Gear VR’s New Controller

Today will see Facebook hold its annual F8 conference in California, with plenty of news expected relating to virtual reality (VR). Before that takes place the new head of Oculus, Hugo Barra, has released an unboxing video showcasing the Gear VR Controller as well as the Galaxy S8.

The new Gear VR controller was officially unveiled during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain, with only a few details emerging. Then during the Samsung Unpacked event in March the company announced the specifications, pricing and availability of the device.

Hugo Barra - Oculus Announcement

Current Gear VR owners will be able to buy the controller for $39 USD, or those new to the platform can purchase the Gear VR + Controller package for $129. In Barra’s video, the all-in-one box is now shown, with the Oculus head detailing the various included components.

He then runs through the features of Gear VR before looking at the controller in more depth. While VRFocus  readers have probably seen numerous images and flashy marketing trailers on the new device, the unboxing video gives a really nice look at the ergonomics and feel of a product that’s likely to be very popular with Gear VR owners.

Over 70 titles are being worked on with Barra confirming at least 20 will be available for launch which takes place this Friday 21st April. Video games confirmed for the controller so far include Augmented Empire, Drop Dead, SingSpace and Rangi.

Checkout the video below, and for all the latest Oculus new and updates, keep reading VRFocus.

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Neue Samsung Gear VR + Controller für nur 89 Euro

Erst vor wenigen Tagen hatte Samsung das Galaxy S8 vorgestellt und im Rahmen dieser Vorstellung hat das Unternehmen auch die überarbeitete Version der Gear VR in den Fokus gerückt. Das neue Modell hat sich kaum verändert und läuft unter dem Modellnamen SM-R324. Viel wichtiger als die leichte Überarbeitung der Brille ist der neue Controller für das Gear VR System, welcher ebenfalls mit der neuen Brille eingeführt wird. Doch noch bevor das neue System in allen Shops angekommen ist, senkt Media Markt an diesem Wochenende bereits den Preis für das Bundle aus Brille und Controller. 

–>> Gear VR bei Media Markt kaufen <<–

Neue Samsung Gear VR + Controller für nur 89 Euro

Der reguläre Preis für das Bundle liegt bei 129 Euro. Falls ihr bereits eine Gear VR besitzt, dann könnt ihr den Controller auch separat für knapp 40 Euro kaufen. Die neue Gear VR und der neue Controller sind kompatibel mit dem Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge und dem Galaxy S6 edge+.

Da das Bundle direkt auf Lager ist, solltet ihr bereits in wenigen Tagen die Hardware in den Händen halten, wenn ihr beim Angebot zuschlagt. Bis es jedoch genügend Software im Store für den neuen Controller gibt, wird noch etwas Zeit vergehen. Für die Gear VR ist jedoch generell für ein reichliches Angebot an Unterhaltung gesorgt.

Der Beitrag Neue Samsung Gear VR + Controller für nur 89 Euro zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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21st April: The Relaunch of the Samsung Gear VR

Samsung and Oculus VR today announced the launch date and price for the new Samsung Gear VR motion-sensing controller. We all knew it was coming, but it’s good to have confirmation of when we can get hands-on with the device and how much it will cost us. What was more interesting about the announcement however, was Samsung’s positioning of the Gear VR; this isn’t just an update, this is a relaunch.

The Samsung Gear VR originally made its debut way back at IFA 2014, Berlin, and launched as an ‘Innovator Edition’ compatible with the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in December of that year. Subsequently we’ve seen slight revisions of the head-mounted display compatible with more Samsung smartphone handsets, including the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, Note 5, S7, and S7 edge. Now however, along with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8Plus, 21st April 2017, the Samsung Gear VR will take on a new persona.

Originally it was believed that the Innovator Editions of the Samsung Gear VR were the beta testing phase, but in reality it seems this was alpha. Every stage has been knocked back a peg as Samsung are ramping up their efforts: new videogame content, new distribution channels for 360 degree video, and even a new Gear 360 camera capable of recording 4K images and video content. The Samsung Gear VR is finally entering it’s prime.

The addition of a motion-sensing controller was an obvious knee-jerk reaction to the Google Daydream; a direct competitor to the Samsung Gear VR that is a much more open platform. Initially Samsung had also pledged to support Google Daydream, suggesting a potential demise for the Gear VR platform. However, this couldn’t seem further from the truth as virtual reality (VR) took up a huge portion of the Samsung Unpacked event today. The Gear VR is clearly a significant endeavour for Samsung, and a huge part of the strategy for the newly unveiled Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8Plus handsets.

Gear VR Controller

The fact that the Gear VR bundle with the motion-sensing controller is only $29 USD more than the Gear VR was offered for upon its consumer launch 18 months ago means that we’ll likely see the bundle offered for free with new smartphone handset purchases. Indeed, Verizon had already committed to exactly this for pre-orders on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8Plus handsets earlier today before their release date had even been announced. More people invited to experience more compelling content is exactly what VR needs.

There’s no denying that mobile VR is significantly inferior to tethered VR – be it Oculus Rift, HTC Vive or PlayStation VR – but creating an accesible path for a mainstream audience is important. With the wide range of Samsung smartphones now compatible with the Samsung Gear VR and the huge variety of content targetting all kinds of audiences, mobile VR is certainly positoned to act as the ‘gateway drug’ it had been expected to be for some time. And, most likely, this had been Samsung and Oculus VR’s plan all along.

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Coatsink Confirm New Title A Night Sky Exclusive to Gear VR

British virtual reality (VR) developer Coatsink Software is synonymous with mobile titles, having launched Esper, Esper 2 and recently announcing Augmented Empire, all for Samsung Gear VR. To coincide with today’s announcements from Samsung and its new Gear VR controller, the studio has unveiled a brand new title to arrive alongside the device next month, called A Night Sky.

A Night Sky will be a relaxing experience for Gear VR users with the Coatsink stating in the description: “A campfire crackles on the edge of a secluded vale as the player relaxes beneath the open sky. Using simple point and touch controls, the player connects the constellations above to form patterns among the stars. As different shapes are discovered, strange and wonderful creatures are brought to life that stride, bound and glide around the hillside.”

A Night Sky_Screenshot_03

The videogame will arrive on 7th April 2017, and will be completely free to download.

While Samsung has previously announced that over 70 titles are in development that support the new controller only a few have so far been confirmed. These are Augmented Empire, Drop Dead, SingSpace, Rangi and Rooms.

Interestingly in Coatsink’s press release the studio states that: “Our experience will be released alongside nearly 20 other titles  (from other developers) to choose from in April for all Samsung gear users in celebration of the new Gear VR and Controller”. This is the best information yet on how many videogames will be available for the device at launch on 21st April.

If you’ve been following VRFocus’ coverage of Samsung Unpacked you’ll know about the new Gear 360 camera as well as the price of the new Gear VR controller and its specifications. US customers will also be able to make use of a Verizon Bundle deal.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Coatsink, reporting back with the latest announcements from the studio.

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Samsung: New Gear VR and Controller Launching April 21st for $129

On stage today at Samsung’s Unpacked Event in New York, the new Gear VR with controller finally got a launch date and price. The new 2017 Gear VR and Controller combo,announced alongside the Galaxy S8, will be available April 21st for $129. A Controller, which can be purchased separately for people that already own an older Gear VR headset, will set you back $39.

Pre-orders for the new Gear VR and Controller combo, as well as separate Controllers, will be available on the Samsung website.

Oculus, the principle partner of the Gear VR mobile platform, will also be rolling out their “biggest mobile platform update yet,” saying they’ve rebuilt Oculus Home from the ground up. The company says that this has reduced load times by up to 3x.

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Oculus is promising 70 new titles with controller support “coming soon” with nearly 20 titles to choose from in April, and 50 more to follow over the next few months.

Oculus say zombie shooter Drop Dead, puzzle game Rangi and SingSpace will be receiving support for Controller, including Oculus Rooms.

The single-handed controller, much like the Daydream VR controller, will provide motion tracking. Engagdet’s Devindra Hardawar got a hands-on with the controller, saying “the motion tracking felt fairly accurate, but mostly I was struck by how it felt in my hand. It has a slightly angle orientation, and your fingers naturally fall on the large trackpad on top and the trigger button on the back. That trigger, by the way, differentiates it from the Daydream View remote, which only has a trackpad and a few buttons. It makes the controller more in line with the Oculus Touch and Vive gamepads, and it’s a big help for most VR shooting titles.”

This story is breaking. We’ll be updating with new information as it comes out.

The post Samsung: New Gear VR and Controller Launching April 21st for $129 appeared first on Road to VR.

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Gear VR Controller Specs Unveiled

If you’ve been keep up with today’s announcements from Samsung Unpacked you’ll know about the new Gear 360 camera as well as the price and availability of the new Gear VR controller. Now VRFocus has the full spec list for the device.

Using Bluetooth connectivity, the controller utilises two AAA batteries to provide approximately 40 days of use when used for two hours per day.

The device has 70 titles in development for it, with Drop Dead, Sing Space, Rangi and Rooms now confirmed.

Gear VR Controller specs

As you can see from the image above, the Gear VR controller comes with a range of buttons and functions to support a variety of experiences. Standard Back and Home keys feature, alongside volume keys, a touch pad and trigger button.

The new device is available from 21st April 2017, with a retail price of $39 USD for the standalone controller or purchased with a Samsung Gear VR for $129.

For all the latest Gear VR news, keep reading VRFocus.

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More Gear VR Controller Titles Revealed by Samsung

The Samsung Unpacked event is now well under way with the company showcasing its new flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone to the world. In terms of virtual reality (VR) Samsung has now released a price and availability of the new Gear VR Controller. Adding to this is the reveal of several compatible titles.

When Samsung initially unveiled the controller at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) last month it said over 70 titles were being worked on. While full details are still unclear, and other announcements are still expected, Samsung did detail four videogames and experiences that would have full Gear VR controller support. They are:

Drop Dead – which also recently made the leap to Oculus Rift, SingSpace – which VRFocus recently previewed, Rangi and Oculus Rooms.

Existing library games can also use the new controller, but those four titles have been specifically singled out as taking controller support to a new level.

The Samsung Unpacked event is still ongoing, and further news on Samsung Gear 360 and upcoming titles is still expected, so stay with VRFocus for all the latest updates.

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Samsung Announces Price and Availability for Gear VR Controller

Today Samsung has held its Unpacked Event in New York and London simultaneously, detailing what consumers can expect to see from the company over the next few months. The big – and not so secret – announcement was for the Galaxy S8 smartphone, but there’s also been some virtual reality (VR) news thrown in to. The company has now revealed the price and availability of the new Gear VR controller.

New Samsung Gear VR and Controller

Consumers will be able to pick up the new device from 21st April 2017, with a retail price of $39 USD for the standalone package of the new input solution. The controller can also be purchased with a Samsung Gear VR for $129. Samsung only revealed the new device a few weeks ago, during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain, showcasing few details other than what it looked like.

It did go on to state that: ‘more than 70 new controller titles are already in development’ without giving any names away. Since then, several developers have gone on to confirm titles that will support the new device including Coatsink Software’s Augmented Empire and E McNeill with Darknet. 

More videogames are expected to be confirmed today, if they are then VRFocus will bring you the latest details.

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What to Expect from Today’s Samsung Unpacked Event

Samsung are set to host the next instalment of the company’s series of ‘Unpacked’ events tonight, taking place in both New York and London simultaneously. The company’s virtual reality (VR) products are likely to feature heavily at the events, following the revelation of a new Samsung Gear VR controller at Mobile World Congress (MWC), Barcelona, late last month. So what should we expect to see?

The Samsung Gear VR is arguably the most commercially successful VR head-mounted display (HMD) to date. Of course, with a large audience already under their belts, Samsung are not likely to let the VR lie, especially with Google’s Daydream finally providing some real competition in the mobile VR sector. We know a new HMD isn’t going to be revealed today, but what other news might there be?

Alongside an update on the new Samsung Gear VR controller comes the Gear 360 camera. Rumours are circulating that we’ll see a new, updated version of the popular 360 camera revealed later today. The recent price-drop of the Gear 360 – and subsequent special offer packaged with the Samsung Gear VR – would add fuel to this fire, though nothing is confirmed. Below you’ll find the details on what we can expect from Samsung in the realms of VR later today, and of course be sure to stay right here at VRFocus for all the breaking news as it happens!

New Samsung Gear VR and Controller

New Samsung Gear VR Controller

We know it’s coming. We’ve seen it. We just don’t know when. We also don’t know how much it will cost, either as a bundle with the Samsung Gear VR itself or as a stand-alone device for existing Samsung Gear VR owners. We can expect both these details to be pinned-down, plus the first real hands-on testing to be conducted. This is all great news of course, but also we’ve simply got to have some new content to showcase the input solution…

New Samsung Gear VR Videogames & Video Content

VRFocus has knowledge that there are several videogames currently in production specifically designed to make use of the new Samsung Gear VR controller, however when we will see them is still up for debate. It’s likely that some new content will be mentioned in the on-stage portion of the Samsung Unpacked event – such as Coatsink’s forthcoming Augmented Empire – but that more will be playable behind-closed-doors after the event. In terms of video, we can look forward to easier access to user generated content.

New Gear 360 Camera

And this is potentially where that new content will come from. We don’t know much about the rumoured new Gear 360 camera; it’s likely to be a little more than a redesign with slight specification improvements. However, from the software side you can expect the content created to be much easier to share on social media. Many networks – Instagram, YouTube et al – have already made moves to allow 360 degree content to be distributed, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Samsung were to announce further partnerships in this field.

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Darknet Coming to HTC Vive, E McNeill Also working on new Gear VR controller support

In a recent Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), indie developer E McNeill has confirmed he’s working on HTC Vive support as well as plans for the new Gear VR controller and Oculus Touch.

During the AMA, the developer was quizzed on SteamVR support for the long running strategy/hacking title Darknet. He responded by saying: “Darknet will indeed have SteamVR support. It’s nearly finished, actually! The game works surprisingly well with motion controllers, and I’ll be doing laser-pointer-style controls on existing platforms too (with Touch and the new GearVR controller).”

Darknet - PSVR_1

While this will mean HTC Vive users will get a chance to dive into McNeill’s hacking world, there’s no confirmation on when this will happen.

Darknet originally launched for Samsung Gear VR back in 2015, as the developer’s first virtual reality (VR) experience. Since then support has been added to Oculus Rift, and through a partnership with Archiact Interactive the award-winning title launched on Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE’s) PlayStation VR on 7th March.

E McNeill hasn’t just been busy expanding support for Darknet, he’s also created two other strategy titles,  Tactera and most recently Skylight. VRFocus reviewed both of them, giving the former a 4-star rating, saying: “Tactera is a great example of high production values on the Samsung Gear VR’s limited hardware and is a showcase piece for the strategy genre in VR.” While Skylight got a 5-star review: “Skylight has been perfectly formulated with engaging gameplay, quirky visuals and hours of entertainment.”

The new Gear VR controller was revealed during Mobile World Congress (MWC) at the end of February, with Oculus claiming: ‘more than 70 new controller titles are already in development’. Last week also saw Coatsink Software confirm controller support for its upcoming mobile videogame Augmented Empire, and Samsung recently dropped the price of Gear VR and the Gear 360 camera.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of E McNeill, reporting back with further announcements on motion control support.