Rumors of Samsung developing a virtual reality headset first surfaced in May, but the rumors were nothing more than rumors. Now, however, Samsung might just have all but confirmed its plans to plunge into the untested waters of the virtual reality market with a new trademark application.
On June 12, Samsung filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the name Gear VR. The application was made available to the public on Monday. The name, which is a little too point-blank in our opinion, pretty much says it all. Samsung is planning to name whatever VR device it is working on in keeping with its Gear lineup of wearable devices. However, it still does not give us a clear idea of what the device will actually look like, but Engadget has pieced together a nice picture of a VR headset as a smartphone peripheral based on information gleaned from sources familiar with Samsung's activities.
"We're told by sources close to Samsung that a virtual reality headset is not only in the works at the company's mobile division, but it's set to be announced this year," reported Engadget. "The urgency is said to be a measure of beating Facebook's Oculus Rift and Sony's Project Morpheus."
However, later reports say Samsung's VR headset is actually a collaboration between Samsung and Oculus VR, the startup that pioneered VR which is currently working on the much-anticipated Rift headset.
The partnership seems to make sense. Samsung is a consumer electronics company with a reputation for jumping into markets it has little experience in. Case in point, the first-generation Gear smartwatch that didn't seem to impress industry watchers. But Samsung is also known for developing the best screens in the industry, the ultra high-definition OLED displays that Oculus needs to ensure that its own headset is truly state-of-the-art.
Samsung will be working on the hardware, but Oculus will pitch in with the software. According to Engadget's sources, Samsung is working with an early version of Oculus' software development kit for its prototype headset. The code is developed partly by gaming legend and visionary John Carmack and now Oculus chief technology officer. This is in exchange for Oculus' access to Samsung's more than 1080p resolution displays. It's a win-win situation for both companies, unless of course Samsung's product turns out to be a dud, thus ruining the prospects for most VR startups hoping to introduce products of their own.
Galaxy Gear VR, if that is what Samsung plans to name its headset, and Rift will not compete directly with each other. While Oculus is taking its time to polish its headset for a high-end price, Samsung is intent on getting its name on the VR market, even if it means commanding lower prices. It's not exactly going to be cheap, since it's VR we're talking about, but it will most likely be more a smartphone accessory than a premium standalone product.
