Samsung - Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones - Frost White

I have a new Galaxy S6 and watched tons of reviews on youtube before buying this but it didnt quite seem to stand up to the hype out there. My first impression when putting it on was "wow so that is the screen door effect everyone talks about". Yes, it is very noticeable, it is a gray screen like pattern that doesn't move when you move your head and it dulls the colors. I never really noticed it on my google cardboard using a GS5 - maybe it is the lens? My second thought after putting it on was. "wow, this moves so much smoother than my google cardboard". The sensors are much better in this device. Initial setup is done by plugging your phone in and it will download the oculus store. The initial app setup failed on mine - I left it for 20 minutes and it was stuck on installing one of the experiences. After force closing it and trying again it went. The Oculus store selection isnt great right now and apps/experiences/games can get very pricey and most have 3 star reviews but there are some good ones out there. About 7 minutes in on actually using the device my S6 was overheating and a message popped up saying it needed to cool down. I saw this a lot on youtube videos but figured it was because they were recording the screen while using it. Later in the day it took 40 minutes to overheat - Watching videos in oculus theatre is less intensive than an app where you are constantly moving your head around. I've noticed in comparison to my google cardboard that I have felt 0 motion sickness using this product while ~10 minutes of google cardboard is enough. I am also having a hard time fining the navigation buttons on the side when I need to. I have ordered a game pad to solve that issue. I had Sony bluetooth headphones paired only to find out they dont work in the VR world - sound is choppy or delayed - look it up if you don't believe me. In the VR world one thing that was a let down is that objects that are far away really arent crisp or in focus. In the real world I can look up at a tree and see leaves/pine needles. I haven't seen any experiences where distant objects look real because of this. I think maybe it is equipment limitations? In a perfect world, the inside of the device would have retina trackers and software to focus the screen based on where you are looking... but that would be resource intensive. The Oculus theater though gives you that weird feeling when you look around the room and dont see anyone, and you look down at your arm rest and your arm isnt there. Pretty cool! The device being wide hasnt been an issue for me, but my wife has quite a gap letting light in.. it didnt seem to bother her much though. I do unfortunately see the edges of the phone screen as cut off in my peripheral vision.. I wonder if the larger galaxy devices wouldnt have this issue. Yes it is better than a $5 google cardboard - but if you have used a google cardboard you arent going to put this on and compare it to the first time you saw N64 graphics that people keep saying. I'm not sure it even justifies the high cost of this device retailing at $100. If you think you'll be able to show this device to several friends who want to see it.. be prepared for disappointment when it overheats on the second person. Another disappointment related to this device is that the apps/experiences are HUGE.. 700mb for <5 minute videos. Meanwhile Samsung removes the SD card slot on their flagship products. Where was the thought process there? They say SD cards are outdated and the cloud is the future... well... not if the future is GearVR. It is a shame samsung went backwards in making the galaxy S6 because making it a little thicker like the galaxy S5 to allow SD cards or improve on cooling/battery would have been a step in the right direction. In Summary: The good: - More sensitive than google cardboard -No Motion sickness - Fits over my fairly wide glasses well - and focuses with my -8.5 Rx glasses - There are some pretty awesome experiences available The Bad: -Overheats GS6 phone in minutes! -Drains battery from 100-46% in 40 minutes (brightness on second to lowest) -Expensive for what it is. -Screen door effect which dulls colors. -Edges cut off in peripheral vision with GS6 -No motion tracking - if you move your head closer it doesnt move in the VR world. -Supported controllers are outrageously expensive, and should be included. -App store is sparse, expensive, and you don't get to see many details before buying. Final Thoughts: Had I seen the list of issues above I might have skipped on buying this. I would really point people interested in this to a google cardboard with a head strap because it really gives you that new experience for a good price. Know the limitations and dont expect a huge amount more than smoother head motion and comfort with this product over the cardboard. I have been wanting an oculus rift for several years now, and followed it closely in the news, but after seeing the screen door effect so strong on such a high resolution display Im going to move more cautiously.

I think this is a fantastic introduction to a technology that is going to change the way we view media for many many folks in the years to come. The potential is limitless. First, I have a Note 5. Some people have overheating issues with the S6. As I am someone who reads forums, nobody is having this issue with the Note 5. I have used the device for up to 4 hours and not one issue of overheating. VR does drain the phone battery quite a bit so its a good idea to fully charge your phone before using this if you are going to be using it for a few hours. It does have a MicroUSB cord to connect to on the device itself, but that can limit your turning of your head...so for Netflix or more stationary type views that's fine. There are a large number of apps available in the Oculus Store showing off gaming, 360 videos, 3D in 360, music, educational, science, social, etc. Most applications are either free and all the way up to about $20. Most are less than $10 or free. The one negative is that the Oculus Store is currently an app on your phone or via watching on the Gear VR and the ratings don't allow for any commentary. Also, the store is sort of chaotically organized, so hopefully they will improve that over time. You are also unable to view the store on a PC (yet). I highly recommend viewing the store via the app and not using the Gear VR as there are many apps in the app that you won't see via the GearVR view. It's also organized a slightly better. Also, be aware that you don't get notified of updates that you need. You'll only see them if you occasionally browse you library within the store app. I recommend you download updates when you are NOT using your GearVR. Keep in mind that this is the first of a new technology. Resolution is low. Its kind of like looking through a screen door. HOWEVER, I will say that you quickly forget about that as you are so immersed in what you are viewing. Some of the apps and videos are fantastic immersive experiences. Some that come to mind and I highly recommend are Ocean Rift, MilkVR (has several fantastic videos), Marvel Avengers, Titans of Space, Dreadhalls, Gunjack, Esper 2, Herobound Spirit Champion, Anshar Wars 2, Lands End, Jurassic World, Cirque Du Soleil Kurios, Netflix, VRSE, Flickr VR. Set up was easy. I don't find the headset particularly as comfortable as others say, but it's not very uncomfortable. I put most of the weight on the top strap and that helps a lot. The phone makes it heavier. I suspect that upcoming devices that don't leverage a phone, but rather a PC or PS4 will be more comfortable (e.g. Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlaystationVR). Regardless, this is the first true consumer mobile experience without be tethered to something...other than the Google Cardboard and those equivalents and this is 10X better than that. I got the Moga Power Pro controller to play with certain games that require a controller. It works quite well via Bluetooth. Keep in mind that this controller has two connection options, an A and B. Make sure you use option B. It will disconnect if you put the controller aside for a bit and aren't using it. If that happens, just turn the controller off, and then back to B and it should connect fine. Always does for me. Everyone, except for my brother who refused to try it, has LOVED what they experienced. Everyone has commented on the potential. Just keep in mind when setting your expectations that this is similar to when cell phones first came out. Its a new technology. It will only get better with subsequent iterations. It will only get lighter. It will only get better resolution as prices for technology come down and newer technology comes out. However, you can't go wrong if you have one of the 4 phones that support this. Again, I recommend a Note 5 since it has a slightly better field of view than the S6 (at the expense of a negligible lower resolution (PPI)...though to me the FOV is more important for immersion), the Note 5 doesn't overhead, has more memory, and a larger battery.

If you already have a Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, or Note 5, this is well worth the purchase. It is a great and easy way to be introduced to virtual reality. VR is making huge advances compared to what it used to be and as more applications come out it shows even more what it is capable of. It is amazing how VR can suck you in create feelings that you would figure were impossible unless you were actually moving. However, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. First thing, as many others have stated, is the overheating. There is nothing more fun spoiling than to be 10 minutes into a game to get the pop-up about it overheating. If you choose to continue and ignore it, the game becomes unplayable with 1-4 frames per second refresh. I have purchased the gel packs that some have mentioned and it has helped in extending my gameplay, but it still gets too hot at times especially if the charger is plugged in. Visually the screen door effect is very obvious and makes the screen look blurry, no matter how much you try to focus. However, once you get engrossed in a game or movie, the effect seems to fade away. This will surely get better as screens increase in their resolution and pixels per inch and you have to remember that you are looking at your phone really really close. Game prices are rather steep compared to other phone related games. I understand that they are more involved that your typical phone based game. However, I hate to pay $5.99 for an app only to find out that it is about 10 minutes worth of entertainment with no replay value. I do like how some of them have gone “free” with in-game purchases to get the full version if you find it worthy. It is hard to enjoy VR with others. Using Chromecast to mirror the screen to a TV looked very promising, until I found out that it cast the sound to the TV and not the headphones. Then, after about 5 seconds in the game, the video would freeze for external viewers but continue for the player. No matter the setting I tried, Chromecast would not work for me and my Note 5. I ended up purchasing MirrorOp, which is pricy app, but has made screen mirroring run really smooth, keep the sound in the headphones for the player, and really allowed the external viewers to enjoy the show and “mess” with the player. Having a Bluetooth controller is only required for a few games. Most of them can be controlled with the side touchpad, which once you get used to how touchy it is, works well. However, keeping my arm bent beside my head gets tiring quickly. If you already play controller based video games, having a Bluetooth controller is only natural. The button placement on most of them is very similar to what you would already be used to so they are familiar and easy to use. Having a controller also unlocks some features in apps that you don’t “need” a controller for, such as moving seats in the theater. Sitting in a swivel chair is the easiest way to play. Standing is always an option, but ensure the environment is clear around you and you are able to control vertigo. Some applications allow you to re-center the image, but most lock in the moment you activate the proximity sensor, which could happen from thumb placement or the head strap getting too close. Most of the time, taking it off and then putting it back on in the direction you want to face will re-center it as well. I do wish that some applications would let you force the center so that you could sit back and relax while playing and not forced to sit upright the entire time. There is a fair amount of material out there under the Samsung/Gear VR store, however, Google Cardboard already has so much material available. The Gear VR will not let you play that material by default, however, there is an app that can help with that as well. That app essentially helps unlock more potential for the device. Some of it does not play as smoothly as the material made to run with Oculus, but still gives more options. Overall I feel it was well worth it. I have almost contemplated buying myself a new phone so that I could leave my Note 5 as a dedicated VR screen, but then I realize that I don’t use it that much, especially since the novelty of it has worn down a bit. If only Samsung incorporated a cooling method for the phone I would have rated this higher.

My review on the original Gear VR, SM-R322 (White) still holds true and is mostly written below. However, the differences between the two are minimal and if you want to “future proof” yourself for a possible phone upgrade, the fact that the SM-R323 (Black) has an interchangeable connection for Micro-USB and USB-C ensures that whatever format comes for the next Samsung Galaxy phone you should be good to go. The new model has a better, thicker headband that allows you to remove the top portion if you choose to. The feel on the face is about the same, but the fabric looks a little better constructed. The control panel on the side is flat, missing the directional feel, but functions the same and somewhat felt easier to control since I wasn’t looking for the indentions. The black color already felt like a benefit to me, to help reduce external light, and less noticeable is that they added a few additional holes inside to help reduce fog on the lenses. The one problem I have with the new one is that I feel like I am missing about 10 degrees from the field of view. The lenses inside are bigger, closer together, but the image feels closer and when looking straight on it is noticeable the amount of peripheral vision that is missing when comparing the two. A first time user of any Gear VR might not notice it, but when you have used the white version for a bit, it is really noticeable. I even used a 360 photo that shows the degrees and confirmed that it is about 10 degrees less than the white version. From my previous review of the White model: If you already have a Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, or Note 5, this is well worth the purchase. It is a great and easy way to be introduced to virtual reality. VR is making huge advances compared to what it used to be and as more applications come out it shows even more what it is capable of. It is amazing how VR can pull you in and create feelings that you would figure were impossible unless you were actually moving. However, there are a lot of issues that still need to be addressed. First thing, as many others have stated, is the overheating. There is nothing more fun spoiling than to be 10 minutes into a game to get the pop-up about it overheating. If you choose to continue and ignore it, the game becomes unplayable with a 1-4 frames per second refresh. There are methods to reducing the heat, but most require a third party purchase. Visually the screen door effect is very obvious and makes the screen look blurry, no matter how much you try to focus. However, once you get engrossed in a game or movie, the effect seems to fade away. This will surely get better as screens increase in their resolution and pixels per inch and you have to remember that you are looking at your phone really really close. Game prices are rather steep compared to other phone related games. I understand that they are more involved that your typical phone based game. However, I hate to pay $5.99 for an app only to find out that it is about 10 minutes worth of entertainment with no replay value. I do like how some of them have gone “free” with in-game purchases to get the full version if you find it worthy. It is hard to enjoy VR with others. Using Chromecast to mirror the screen to a TV looked very promising, until I found out that it cast the sound to the TV and not the headphones. Then, after about 5 seconds in the game, the video would freeze for external viewers but continue for the player. No matter the setting I tried, Chromecast would not work for me and my Note 5. I ended up purchasing MirrorOp, which is pricy app, but has made screen mirroring run really smooth, keep the sound in the headphones for the player, and really allowed the external viewers to enjoy the show and “mess” with the player. Having a Bluetooth controller is only required for a few games. Most of them can be controlled with the side touchpad, which once you get used to how touchy it is, works well. However, keeping my arm bent beside my head gets tiring quickly. If you already play controller based video games, having a Bluetooth controller is only natural. The button placement on most of them is very similar to what you would already be used to so they are familiar and easy to use. Having a controller also unlocks some features in apps that you don’t “need” a controller for, such as moving seats in the theater. Sitting in a swivel chair is the easiest way to play. Standing is always an option, but ensure the environment is clear around you and you are able to control vertigo. Some applications allow you to re-center the image, but most lock in the moment you activate the proximity sensor, which could happen from thumb placement or the head strap getting too close. Most of the time, taking it off and then putting it back on in the direction you want to face will re-center it as well. I do wish that some applications would let you force the center so that you could sit back and relax while playing and not forced to sit upright the entire time. There is a fair amount of material out there under the Samsung/Gear VR store, however, Google Cardboard already has so much material available. The Gear VR will not let you play that material by default, however, there is an app that can help with that as well. That app essentially helps unlock more potential for the device. Some of it does not play as smoothly as the material made to run with Oculus, but still gives more options. Overall I feel it was well worth it. I have almost contemplated buying myself a new phone so that I could leave my Note 5 as a dedicated VR screen, but then I realize that I don’t use it that much, especially since the novelty of it has worn down a bit. If only Samsung incorporated a cooling method for the phone I would have rated this higher.

The Roomba 980 is a great little robot to have. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats so vacuuming is almost an every day job if I had the time. I bought my Johnny 5 (it's name) and had to return it after 6 days because it wouldn't charge completely. The 2nd robot seems to be doing fine so far. I run it daily and it still picks up a lot of hair the dogs and cats lose in 1 day. I ran it 2x in one day just to see if it wasn't getting all the hair and it proved it was working. The 2nd pass barely picked up anything so I know it definitely does the job! It seems to get confused easily if it doesn't have a lot of open area. It tends to go over some of the same areas twice or do circles. I wish it had a better sense of direction (tracking/mapping). I am OCD when it comes to vacuum pattern in the carpet and I must say the lines are nice and even, although not always perpendicular to the walls. The app needs to have push notifications so if it gets stuck, or the bin gets full, etc., you are notified if you are not near it when it's running. I have it programmed to run in the morning after I get home from work. I do a quick check of the floors to make sure the floors are free of dog toys, water from the dog bowl, no cat puke , or anything like that. Hopefully future models will come out with liquid/moisture sensors so people with pets don't need to be paranoid about their expensive little bot being ruined by running over liquids. Some people complain about how loud the roomba is, and all I have to say is... It's a vacuum with great power! It does the job of a regular vacuum, but maybe not as deep of a clean since it doesn't have brushes. Regular vacuums are louder than these are so I have no complaints about the noise. Needs to have night vision so it can be run in complete darkness. A bigger dust bin would be great but it will increase the bot's size and probably make it so it can't get under beds and cabinets. Nothing can ever be perfect but this vacuum sure does great. I can walk around the house in my socks all day and by the end of the day my socks are almost free from animal hair :) This bot does such a good job that a 2nd one (the 960) was purchase for the upper level of my house.

Purchased this for my Samsung Galaxy Note 5. Set-up was easy and quick. Never tried the Gear VR Innovator Edition so I wouldn't know how that one worked or fit, but this model of the Gear VR is very comfortable. I removed the top band as it's not really necessary for the Gear VR to stay on your face. The lenses on the inside will sometimes fog up, but doesn't happen all the time. I think it has something to do with positioning it on your face correctly so that your breath doesn't rise up into the lenses. There's a good amount of content both free and paid. Even the ones that are paid have free demos so you can try them out before buying. Some apps need a controller which I did buy and will get to at the end of this review. The Gear VR has a cursor and back button on the right temple that you use to maneuver with in the menu or in some games. Most games say that a controller isn't necessary, but I find it easier with one anyway. The first time you try out the Gear VR you're in a whole new world. Some of the content looks a little pixelated, but it is new technology so it won't be perfect. I'm sure they'll be able to easily fix those in future updates. When I tried swimming with sharks, even though it looked fake, it scared the beegezus out of me. Same goes with some of the scary games. Sounds comes out of your phone, but you can control the volume on the right side of the Gear VR near the cursor. I recommend wearing earphones though because you get a better overall experience. Some reviews have their phones overheating and shutting down, but i haven't experienced that. Then again, I haven't used it more than 30 mins at a time so I can't fully say that it wouldn't do that. I wouldn't recommend using the Gear VR for more than 30 to 60 mins anyway as your eyes need to rest after being in the virtual world. As I mentioned earlier, most games don't require a controller, but it's much easier and better with one. Oculus Support only lists 3 controllers that are supported by the Gear VR. I purchased the MOGA Power Pro. It works great and easily connects to the Gear VR through bluetooth. Overall, I recommend the Gear VR if you have one of the supported phones. It's not one of the high end VRs that are coming out (Oculus and HTC), but for the price it's definitely worth it! You can easily purchase the cardboard goggles, but you probably won't have a lot of content. I think Samsung did good with their content and the Gear VR. Not quite 5 stars, but nothing is perfect.

Let me start by saying, I'm a fan of Ready Player One, it's a book by Author Ernest Cline the premise revolves round a device called the Oasis (similar to the gear) in a not too distant future... The device allows its users to experience a total immersive experience similar to the world we live in; if not better... We are finally here with the technology but not without a few technical hiccups however. While the Samsung Gear Oculus is portable, lightweight and easy to transport it is not without problems, while using it with my Samsung Edge S6 I noticed the oculus gear would give me the "over heat notice" a quick fix would be to put on airplane mode close all apps and that gave me more than an hour of extended use without seeing the pesky "over heat" notice. Another Recommendation would be to make room for storage, a lot of the apps take up a lot of space, and if you're a Cinephile like my self and merely need it for movie viewing, you're definitely going to want to make room in your storage before setting it up also the video quality needs improvement but once you're immersed you lose focus on that... But the problems are a few apart and doesn't distract from the positives like The Void cinematic experience (Watch John Carpenters The Thing), Netflix VR and well basically even the internet browsing experience and youtube 360... So much to say its a beautiful immersive experience and it's only a matter of time before we the consumers are literally able to create worlds and build upon it, gaming is going to become more immersed, the social networking capabilities are endless. For $99.00 this was a steal.

First, make sure you judge the device after wearing it (I believe you can try it at the store). This is because I find no review will do this technology justice. Now, here is what I have to say about it: I did try the google cardboard VR before and found it to be incredible what you can do with phones now a days. The Gear VR takes this concept a step further by making it more polished. Not only is the device much more comfortable and the response is faster, but the main difference is the quality of available games for this device. I think Samsung did a good job by partnering with Oculus after trying this device. Tested games: Kart VR: Sprint: This game is like a mario kart game where you are seated in the actual kart. It is incredible how different the game feel is. You can actually look around you to see who's next to you. I find myself looking the side mirrors to make sure no one is behind me! and to fire weapons at the others, you use the head tracking to point at them and then release the trigger. Its a lot of fun. The game does have an online mode but I have yet to see someone else go online in it. Hero Bound: You have a surveillance camera view of rooms in a dungeon and you move your character around to kill enemies and open chest boxes. Its like a dark themed zelda game. It gives another dimension to the game. I haven't played the game extensively yet but I am looking forward to it! What I didn't like about Gear VR is how you can see the pixels clearly (screen door effect) when you are watching videos and pictures. It is hard to ignore it then. But that's not everything that this device does. I recommend the Gear VR for anyone who would like to experience how VR gaming is. For watching movies and pictures, you're better off with a TV. Oh, and make sure you get a compatible game pad to really experience the cool games I listed above. While you could buy the original samsung game pad, there are others that are cheaper and still work. I used the ipega PG-9025 which has an identical layout to the samsung one.