Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition is now available, but it comes with lengthy list of user warnings.
The Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition is the tech giant's first great venture into virtual reality, a market that's off to a slow start, with Oculus taking the lead. It turns out the device comes with a lengthy list of warnings that discourage repeated use.
The Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition is the first wave of release for the device, presumably a test release as well. The device comes with headphones and goggles worn separately, now available for $199.99 through Samsung and AT&T.
As is with any VR device, the Samsung Gear VR offers a 360-degree fully immersive experience, ideal for 3D video, but also for movies and games reformatted for the platform. The device operates independent of a PC or videogame console, but it's practically tethered to the Galaxy Note 4 for the display.
The device is installed with a variety of sensors to provide real-time sensation of movement and depth. It also has a focal adjustment for the visually impaired (nearsighted and farsighted users).
Samsung is currently developing a content platform for the device, Milk VR, with app channels for music, sports, and action. Those who purchase the Samsung Gear Innovator Edition early can check out apps from the Oculus Store in the meantime (forbes.com).
The device is actually a developer's first release, meant for market-testing, and as such comes with a lengthy list of cautions for users. The precautions can discourage even die-hard gamers from spending extended hours with the headset, though.
ARS Technica reports the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition can cause serious disorientation with prolonged use, and comes with warnings similar to video game consoles. In the order page, Samsung strongly advises users to discontinue use if the device causes:
"seizures, loss of awareness, eye strain, eye or muscle twitching, involuntary movements, altered, blurred, or double vision or other visual abnormalities, dizziness, disorientation, impaired balance, impaired hand-eye coordination, excessive sweating, increased salivation, nausea, light-headedness, discomfort or pain in the head or eyes, drowsiness, fatigue, or any symptoms similar to motion sickness."
The precaution also discourages using the headset in certain conditions, and for users with health problems.
