Samsung Gear VR Headset Provides Immersive Gaming, Video Experiences

The Gear VR virtual reality headset connects to one of the latest Samsung smartphones and gives users a new way to play video games and watch content.

The $99.99 Gear VR headset, which is available from T-Mobile starting Nov. 27, gives users the ability to dive deeper into VR games and have 360-degree video experiences. The device is worn like goggles on a user’s head and provides a wide field of view, precise head-tracking and low latency to provide a realistic virtual reality experience.

The Gear VR headset works with Samsung’s latest smartphone models, including the Galaxy Note 5, the Galaxy S6 Edge+, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge. All four have Super AMOLED displays that give users a richer virtual reality experience.

To use the Gear VR, a compatible Samsung smartphone is snapped into the device and it then can be used with an app on the phone. Users can then play a game, take a virtual vacation or watch a movie using the device.

The Gear VR has touchpad controls that give users greater control when operating the unit with games, movies and other content. The touchpad has a back key, a volume key and a focus adjustment wheel. The Gear VR also has built-in gyro, accelerometer and proximity sensors.

Users can play immersive VR games or share 360-degree video experiences with friends with the Gear VR as they use head movements to explore, aim and interact in new ways to play and be entertained.

A wide variety of content is available through the Gear VR, turning the device into a home theater with almost limitless possibilities. And T-Mobile customers with Simple Choice cellular plans that include 3GB of data or more per month can use T-Mobile’s Binge On free unlimited video streaming with the Gear VR. Under Binge On, customers can stream video content from some 24 content providers to start, including HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, Sling TV, Starz and WatchESPN, all without using the data in their monthly plans.

The Samsung Gear VR includes improved foam cushioning for better user comfort, while weighing 22 percent less than the previous Gear VR Innovator Edition made by Oculus. The Samsung Gear VR, which comes in Frost White, weighs 11.21 ounces and measures 7.94 inches wide, 4.58 inches tall and 3.64 inches thick.