Difference between revisions of "Samsung Gear VR"
(relates to oculus) |
(audio processing) |
||
| Line 77: | Line 77: | ||
== Main characteristics == | == Main characteristics == | ||
| − | Gear VR optics have 96 degrees filed of view and the smartphone housing features several additional components. There is a number of sensors present (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, magnetometer), among which is a modified version of the tracking unit [[Oculus Rift]] uses.<ref>http://www.roadtovr.com/samsung-gear-vr-official-specifications-20ms-latency/</ref> These can be utilized by the smartphone after it is connected to the device via a microUSB connector inside the smartphone housing. This way, more precise rotational tracking can be achieved. | + | Gear VR optics have 96 degrees filed of view and the smartphone housing features several additional components. There is a number of sensors present (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, magnetometer), among which is a modified version of the tracking unit [[Oculus Rift]] uses.<ref>http://www.roadtovr.com/samsung-gear-vr-official-specifications-20ms-latency/</ref> These can be utilized by the smartphone after it is connected to the device via a microUSB connector inside the smartphone housing. This way, more precise rotational tracking can be achieved. The smartphone also handles the audio processing. |
The user interface consists of touchpad, buttons and a volume key. In addition, there is a wheel at the top of the device to adjust the interpupillary distance. In contrast to the previous one, the release version of the device will not feature the micro fan that helped to de-fog the lenses. Instead, the new model uses a different material for padding which should have the same cooling effect as the previously used micro-fan.<ref>http://www.gizmag.com/new-consumer-gear-vr-hands-on/39589/</ref> | The user interface consists of touchpad, buttons and a volume key. In addition, there is a wheel at the top of the device to adjust the interpupillary distance. In contrast to the previous one, the release version of the device will not feature the micro fan that helped to de-fog the lenses. Instead, the new model uses a different material for padding which should have the same cooling effect as the previously used micro-fan.<ref>http://www.gizmag.com/new-consumer-gear-vr-hands-on/39589/</ref> | ||
Revision as of 10:07, 15 October 2015
| Samsung Gear VR | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Category | VR device (smartphone holder) |
| Developer | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
| Announced | September 2014[1] |
| Released | Developers:
Consumers: November 2015[2] |
| Price | 99 USD (October 2015)[3] |
| Operating system | Android |
| Display | smartphone dependent |
| Resolution | 2560x1440 pixels (based on compatible smartphones) |
| Weight | g |
| Controls | smartphone, touchpad, inertial, buttons |
| Not standalone[4] | |
| http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/gearvr/index.html | |
Gear VR is a smartphone-holder virtual reality device developed by Samsung and Oculus VR in cooperation. Gear VR is, by itself, not a fully featured virtual reality head-mounted display, because it only features the housing for a smartphone, lenses, and a basic control interface. The device needs a Samsung smartphone to fully function, as it does not have any processing or displaying capabilities on its own. The upcoming release version is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, and Note 5 smartphones. The previous Innovator Edition was compatible only with the Samsung Note 4.[5] If no other device release is announced, the Gear VR will be the fist virtual reality device released outside of a developer or early-access program in the year 2015[6]
Contents
Main characteristics
Gear VR optics have 96 degrees filed of view and the smartphone housing features several additional components. There is a number of sensors present (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, magnetometer), among which is a modified version of the tracking unit Oculus Rift uses.[7] These can be utilized by the smartphone after it is connected to the device via a microUSB connector inside the smartphone housing. This way, more precise rotational tracking can be achieved. The smartphone also handles the audio processing.
The user interface consists of touchpad, buttons and a volume key. In addition, there is a wheel at the top of the device to adjust the interpupillary distance. In contrast to the previous one, the release version of the device will not feature the micro fan that helped to de-fog the lenses. Instead, the new model uses a different material for padding which should have the same cooling effect as the previously used micro-fan.[8]
Purpose
Gear VR is a virtual reality headset that is used together with a small selection of Samsung smartphones. The smartphone is put inside the Gear VR and act as a processing and displaying unit. With a pair of lenses and stereoscopic imagining on the smartphone's display, the device can deliver virtual reality experience.
Company & People
Important Dates
- September 2014 - Samsung and Oculus announce their partnership to create a virtual reality headset that uses Samsung's smartphones.[9]
- December 2014 - Samsung releases the first Innovator Edition aimed at early adopters and developers.[10]
- April 2015 - Samsung announces an improved second version of the Innovator Edition.[11]
- 25 September 2015 - Samsung announces a more affordable version of Gear VR is to ship in the Autumn of 2015.[12]
Ethical Issues & Health Risks
There has been no issues noted with Samsung Gear VR so far specifically. However, some general issues connected to Virtual Reality Devices in general may still apply.
Possible health risks are anticipated, however. The second Innovator Edition arrived at stores with several health disclaimers listed.[13] Among which Cybersickness, eye-discomfort and excessive heat coming from the smartphone are listed. Samsung recommends users take breaks after 30 minutes of using the device and warns users that they may experience nausea. THe company also advices against using the device while driving or being on a train or a bus.
Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment
Enhancement. - While there may be some therapeutic virtual reality applications, Gear VR is solely marketed as an entertainment device. It's main purpose is to play and watch virtual reality content.
Public & Media Impact and Presentation
Public Policy
Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research
The development of Samsung Gear VR is closely tied to Oculus Rift which Gear VR shares technology with.
Links
http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/17/samsung-gear-vr-review/
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Gear-VR-Innovator-Edition/dp/B00QZLOFK4
http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/25/9397569/samsung-oculus-consumer-gear-vr-design
References
- ↑ http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/samsung-virtual-reality/
- ↑ http://www.cnet.com/news/hulu-virtual-reality-app-is-ready-for-its-close-up-in-november/
- ↑ http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/24/gear-vr-for-all/#.2onukj:Nu5V
- ↑ Shows if the device is a standalone wearable computer or if it needs to be connected to a processing unit (computer, smartphone) to function.
- ↑ http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Gear-VR-Innovator-Edition/dp/B00QZLOFK4
- ↑ http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/25/9397569/samsung-oculus-consumer-gear-vr-design
- ↑ http://www.roadtovr.com/samsung-gear-vr-official-specifications-20ms-latency/
- ↑ http://www.gizmag.com/new-consumer-gear-vr-hands-on/39589/
- ↑ http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/samsung-virtual-reality/
- ↑ http://www.cnet.com/news/samsungs-gear-vr-innovator-edition-hits-the-us-in-december/
- ↑ http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-gear-vr-innovator-edition-available-may-8-pre-orders-begin-april-24
- ↑ http://uk.businessinsider.com/samsung-announces-new-gear-vr-virtual-reality-headset-2015-9
- ↑ http://www.greenbot.com/article/2876710/samsung-gear-vr-hits-best-buy-with-litany-of-health-disclaimers.html
