Samsung Gear VR

A virtual reality headset accessory for Samsung smartphones. Introduced in 2014, the Gear VR has its own accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and proximity sensors but derives its content directly from the phone (initially the Galaxy Note 4). Developed with Oculus VR from the company that makes the Oculus Rift headset, the Gear VR provides a 96 degree panoramic view for movies and games and includes focal adjustments for nearsighted and farsighted people. It connects to the smartphone via Micro USB. See Oculus Rift.

Transport to a Virtual World

The smartphone snaps into the headset and transports the user from the living room into another world. There are home and back buttons along with a touchpad on the right side of the Gear unit. In this example, a Galaxy S7 Edge is used. See Galaxy S and Galaxy Note.

The Phone Snaps In

The Gear VR acts as a dock for the smartphone and uses the Micro USB port to connect.