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consumers_release_commentary=<ref>http://www.cnet.com/news/hulu-virtual-reality-app-is-ready-for-its-close-up-in-november/</ref>|
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price_commentary=USD (October 2015)<ref>http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/24/gear-vr-for-all/#.2onukj:Nu5V</ref>|
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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 first version is of the device, Innovator Edition, was compatible only with the Samsung Note 4. The second version was lighter, has increased interpupillary distance range, and will be was 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.<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Gear-VR-Innovator-Edition/dp/B00QZLOFK4</ref> If no other device release is announced, the The Gear VR will be was the fist first virtual reality device released outside of a developer or early-access program in the year of 2015.<ref name="theverge092015">http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/25/9397569/samsung-oculus-consumer-gear-vr-design</ref> Together with the launch of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in the August 2016, Samsung revealed a new version of the Gear VR.<ref name="note7version">https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/16/samsung-gear-vr-2016-review/#/</ref>
== Main characteristics ==
Gear VR optics have 96 degrees filed field 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 micro-USB 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>
* April 2015 - Samsung announces an improved second version of the Innovator Edition.<ref>http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-gear-vr-innovator-edition-available-may-8-pre-orders-begin-april-24</ref>
* 25 September 2015 - Samsung announces a more affordable version of Gear VR is to ship in the Autumn autumn of 2015.<ref>http://uk.businessinsider.com/samsung-announces-new-gear-vr-virtual-reality-headset-2015-9</ref>
== Ethical Issues & Health Risks ==
There has been no issues noted with Samsung Gear VR so far specifically, yet. 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.<ref>http://www.greenbot.com/article/2876710/samsung-gear-vr-hits-best-buy-with-litany-of-health-disclaimers.html</ref> Among which [[Virtual_Reality_Devices#Cybersickness|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 The company also advices advises against using the device while driving or being on a train or a bus.
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
While there may be some therapeutic virtual reality applications, Gear VR is solely marketed as an entertainment device. It's Its main purpose is to play and watch virtual reality content. Although Samsung is looking at applications in education and non-profit sector as well.<ref>http://gizmodo.com/the-100-samsung-gear-vr-is-going-to-change-everything-1732960393</ref>
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
There are still some concerns remaining however. Some reporters focus on the lack of positional tracking which is otherwise present in devices like [[HTC Vive]] or [[Oculus Rift]].<ref>http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/samsung-virtual-reality/</ref> Currently, the device is only capable of registering tilt and rotation, but no leaning forward or backwards nor it can register its position in defined space, i.e. a room. The gamepad Samsung paired with the device was deemed very uncomfortable and actually going against common gamepad conventions.<ref>http://www.pcworld.com/article/2686027/samsung-gear-vr-headset-hands-on-better-than-the-oculus-rift-in-some-ways.html</ref> There are reported issues with the Samsung smartphones overheating and fogging of the lenses after longer period of use.<ref>http://www.gizmag.com/gear-vr-wishlist-2015/38200/</ref>
The new and improved model which launches together with the Note 7 line of smartphones has been reviewed by a number of technology websites. Engadget's author Devindra Hardawar likes the new model and praises the numerous improvements Samsung has made, namely the expanded field of view, the now softer foam edge, and the overall lightness of the headset. However, the author voices his doubts about whether the device will be able to compete with the upcoming Google Daydream VR platform.<ref name="note7version" /> Tim Moynihan from Wired also welcomes the changes, saying that the new version of the headset "refines and improves upon the first generation’s comfort, sense of immersion, and controls". The reviews praises that the headset feels lighter and that the internal padding is now more comfortable. It furthers adds ads that the focus wheel on top is now more sensitive and thus better to control the focus of the image. The device contains no negative points.<ref>http://www.wired.com/2016/08/new-gear-vr-best-100-phone-accessory-can-buy/</ref>
== Public Policy ==
