Gear VR – The Review

The problem with virtual reality systems is you’re typically tethered to your living room. You can’t make your 8-hour flight go any faster by plugging into The Matrix and pretending your swimming with Great White Sharks.  Samsung solved that problem by making VR portable with the Samsung Gear VR.  A headset that re-purposes your Samsung phone for a truly portable experience.  It may not have the power of the Oculus Rift, but it’s the only system you can take anywhere and, combined with Google Cardboard, has given birth to ‘mobile VR’.

Mobile VR

Virtual Reality systems like the Oculus Rift look great.  You can practically stick your hand in the ocean and feel the piranhas nipping at your fingers, but good luck taking that on vacation, your friend’s house or your girlfriends mother’s house because God knows you’ll need a break.  However, you’ll have to pack up your computer because momma’s on a 486 from 1998.

Gear VR is essentially a headset for your Galaxy phone. The Gear VR only works with the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge so you’re out of luck if you’re still packing the S5 or older.  To use it you simply place the phone into the headset until it clicks and you’re done.  It immediately opens up the Oculus App and you can begin your virtual experience.  Yes, the Oculus App.  The same company that has the leading VR system on the market also developed this mobile alternative.  It’s like the Oculus Rift light.  You’re also not shelling out a small fortune either.  The Gear VR sells for about $99 in the US and £80 in the UK.  And as more competition hits the market later in 2016 you’re sure to see those prices fall.

Lacks Power, but Looks Great

The biggest problem with the Gear VR is that it’s running off your mobile phones processor and battery, not a dedicated computer.   The graphics looks good because it’s got the clarity of the S7, but it only has a 96-degree field of view.  You’re also not going to get the bells and whistles that comes with a computer connection.  It has an accelerometer and a gyroscope to track movement, but it won’t let you lean back or forward.  You also may experience occasional lag and sacrifice graphics as a result of the lack of processing power.

When you’re in the virtual world, you can look around, but movement and other actions are done via a control pad on the side of the headset.  That can limit the experience as games and other programs have to be created with simple gaze and one-hand operation.  If you’re not too keen on looking like Cyclops from the X-Men, then you can connect a Bluetooth controller such as the SteelSeries Stratus XL.   That will give you a more normal feel for controls.  Stratus XL is also designed specifically for use with tablets and phones. You can find them for between $40-$50 on Amazon.com.

You’ll also want to invest in some Bluetooth earbuds as well.  Without them, you’ll be stuck with the sounds coming from the phone speakers and nothing ruins an immersive experience like hearing sounds six inches away.  You also don’t want to project your business to everyone around you.  Bluetooth headphones come in all sizes and costs. A Skullcandy can cost you $100, but they go as low as $30.

How Does It Fit?

The headsets for virtual reality should fit snugly for many reasons including accurate tracking.  The Gear VR has adjustable straps to create a snug fit for extended viewing, but it can have some fogging issues.  Also, you’ll want to clean the screen of your phone before use because even small particles look like moon craters when magnified through Gear VR’s lenses.  There’s nothing that ruins a VR experience more than magnified screen crust!

Once it’s on, there is a small control to adjust focus.  It’s simple to use and it’s not usually a problem.  You also don’t have to worry about it being a pain in the neck at just 318 grams total weight without the smartphone.

Games and Apps

Since this is the third iteration of the Samsung VR device, there are already tons of apps and games available for it.  Everything from standards like Netflix to zombie shooters. Are you a fan of EVE Online?  CCP’s Gunjack is a shooter that’s set in the same world as the hugely popular online game.  In it you play as the gunner of a stationary turret that shoots down wave after wave of spaceships and other targets.  It’s fun for a while, but it can get pretty repetitive.  They try to liven it up a little by changing the enemies and some of their traits, but it’s still just a big shooting gallery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXl3dKtfW_Q

If you’re looking for something a little less fast paced, then try Monument Valley.  Anyone that grew up playing games like Myst and Seventh Guest will feel right at home in this VR environment.  You go around solving puzzles and experiencing new and interesting landscapes.  This game really immerses you in the environment and looking around with the headset can expose some new area or develop a clue that you couldn’t see head on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-nkPB8utV4

It may seem unlikely, but Netflix is one of the best apps for the Gear VR.  Imagine having a theater all to yourself.  The Gear VR provides high-definition videos, and with the optional blue tooth headset, you won’t get a better experience outside of a movie theater.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMCYo5rO6RY

Adult Content

Ok, a portable way to watch porn is just what the doctor ordered.  While you’re not going to find adult sex games on the Oculus App, there are plenty of VR videos and apps that will work with the Gear VR.  Just have a look at our Videos section to get started!

Overall

Gear VR is the poor man’s VR device, but it’s still pretty awesome. Y ou don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the machine or the high end computer to use it.  If you already have an S7, then getting this is a no-brainer.  You’re not going to find a VR experience like this for a better price.  Is it worth getting an S7 just for the VR experience?  Probably, not.  It might help to move you towards it if you looking for a new phone, but don’t go out and get and S7 just because you want a VR experience.

It’s a great machine and packs a lot of power in a small device.  By far, the biggest assets are its portability and price point.