Samsung is working on a virtual reality headset of its own to compete with the Oculus Rift and Sony's Project Morpheus. We've already seen both the Sony and Oculus VR headsets, but what about Samsung, what does its VR headset look like? Could this image be a shot of the Samsung Gear VR?
That's exactly what The Verge is saying; that little image is indeed Samsung's VR headset, and it is not what we were expecting. The device, which is also called Project Moonlight, has a similar design to Google's Project Cardboard VR headset. Furthermore, the set-up appears to be similar as it seems the user will have to attach their Galaxy smartphone inside the headset to be transported to a three-dimensional immersive world.
The image shows what appears to be a detachable lid that is designed to hold the phone in front of the user's eyes. There's also a focus dial on top, so already this Samsung VR headset looks more mature than what Google is offering in a cardboard box.
How will the smartphone be connected to Gear VR? We're not quite certain about this, but it appears it might happen via USB.
Another aspect of the image we can't help but talk about is the video game controller. Like Oculus VR and Sony, Samsung might be interested in focusing on video games for the time being until the company figures out how to expand the headset into other areas.
If this is truly what Samsung is working on, we have to admit that it is quite an ugly little thing, but a decent first outing nonetheless. We've heard rumors in the past that Oculus VR and Samsung would collaborate on this very project, however, The Verge did not make mention of this, so there's no idea if Oculus VR is involved.
The Berlin-based IFA tradeshow is set to kick things off in September, and Samsung will be there. Some expect the company to announce the Gear VR at the show, along with the Galaxy Note 4 as a companion accessory.
There's no doubt that VR is picking up speed, and while this author prefers the concept of AR over VR, it is still great to see technology improve to the point where things like these are possible in 2014.
