Samsung announced Tuesday its Oculus-powered Gear VR portable virtual reality viewer in September is now set for shipping. Preorders for the $99 Gear VR are now open in the U.S. on Best Buy, Amazon and Samsung websites. Shipment will be on Nov. 20, reported Android Police.
The Samsung Gear VR is not just for preorders but will be available in retail locations of Best Buy. T-Mobile will offer the VR viewer on Nov. 27 online and in its physical stores. AT&T is supposed to be another seller but does not have a specific date yet.
Samsung's new VR viewer is now more comfortable to wear as it is lighter compared to the Innovator Edition. It comes with a better touchpad as well to enhance control. Samsung Gear VR works with the brand's 2015 flagships - Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+ and Note 5.
As per Nick DiCarlo's comment: "Samsung is leveraging its leadership in mobile, by giving millions of Samsung Galaxy smartphone owners' access to amazing virtual reality experiences including immersive games, the ability to explore beautiful photographs and exciting videos in 360 degrees, and much more." DiCarlo is VP at Samsung Electronics America, in Immersive Products and Virtual Reality.
Gear VR leverages the super AMOLED display of Samsung's flagships as well as the vivid color, clarity and performance they offer for an amazing VR experience, a recent post in SamsungTomorrow said.
Oculus Mobile Head Max Cohen stated: "This is an incredible moment for virtual reality as we introduce the absolute best VR experience on mobile today. People all over the world can now turn their mobile phone into an immersive VR experience with made-for-VR games and thousands of amazing 2D, 3D and 360 degree videos and films."
In the VR field, Google offers Cardboard which costs less than the Samsung Gear VR but the latter looks smarter and has the backing of Oculus. Both companies are doing a good job of making VR affordable.
