Samsung is reportedly tapping its own smartwatches, the Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3, as new control mechanisms for their virtual reality headset, the Samsung Gear VR.
It's up to speculation as to how the Gear S2 and Gear S3 will integrate with the Gear VR, but Samsung is rumored to currently developing an app that will enable such a functionality. Rumors purport to the smartwatches acting as an external input device likely for navigation inside VR apps. Users will reportedly be able to take advantage of the rotating bezel or physical buttons embedded in the smartwatches.
SamMobile was the first to report these rumors, citing insiders as the source. According to what they've heard so far, by using the smartwatches as an input device for the Gear VR, users "will be able to go back or forward in the gallery for example by simply rotating the bezel and pressing the physical buttons to confirm their selection."
Keep in mind that the Gear VR does come with its built-in input device, awkwardly placed on the side of the headset. It does a fairly decent job of navigating across in-app options, but for gameplay experiences, the native Gear VR input leaves much to be desired. Luckily, Microsoft recently allowed support for Xbox One controllers to be used as Gear VR input devices, expanding control options for the Gear VR.
The most intriguing part about this rumor, if proven to be legitimate, is that Samsung is committed to introducing the concept of wearables further by actually synergizing them together. If the Gear S2 and S3 are indeed intended to be fused with the Gear VR, not only will the smartwatches generate a more attractive sell value, but the sensors already inside the smartwatches can also aid numerous methods of interaction with the Gear VR, made possible by both of the technologies packed inside the devices.
Of course, this is at best, speculative as rumors go. Though it's quite hard to not imagine the possibilities of combining one wearable and another wearable to invent new ways to make the VR gameplay experience more intuitive.
No official word from Samsung yet, but details about this are bound to emerge, if indeed in the development stages. As for the release, throwing it in beside the Galaxy S8, its upcoming flagship device, seems like an appropriate window, as speculated by GSM Arena.
Samsung seems to actively be on the move in its efforts for enhancing its VR experience, even releasing a new version of the headset for Galaxy Note 7 devices. The company is proving to be highly munificent in supporting VR with content and software. Interestingly, October is touted to be a huge month for VR, considering the sparse breadth of companies all contributing something to the mix. Mobile VR is really ramping its way up as the likely target for smartphone innovation.
