[Q] Buy a Note 4 just for gear vr? - Samsung Gear VR

Is it worth it? My phone upgrade is not for another year, and I have an iPhone. I would buy an oculus, but I have a GTX 650 and if I bought a new GPU, it would cost more than the gear vr setup. Also, gear vr is technically a finished product, and there would be a better experience on the Gear VR.

Though I have owned the N4 Gear since launch I think the S6 version is better, so if buying a phone just for the Gear VR, the S6 version is the way to go for these reasons:
1. The N4 version is more immersive, but movies and video are too close and like in the front rows. This is why the screen door effect sticks out and detail is not great. The S6 version is less immersive, but there is less screen door and more detail since not as close up.
2. S6 does not overheat as much as the N4 with VR gaming
3. S6 version has ability to power the device with micro usb (can't use it for external storage though- only power)
4. The fan helps with fogging
5. It is lighter
Seems a slam dunk for the S6 version IMO. Catch for me though is the Note 4 phone rocks and I have no desire to lose the replaceable battery or micro sd slot.
If I had money to burn though, I would get the S6 version if just for Gear VR.

Related

Consumer gear vr - rubbish

1. Note 4 Gear VR - immersive, excellent FOV
2. S6, S6 edge - cant comment but i can assume it would of been the same as the note 4, since it was designed for a 5.1" phone.
3. S6, S6 edge, S6 edge plus, note 5 - looks like your looking through a toilet roll tube. What a dissapointment. What happend?
Last thing, does anyone know if the note 5 will work with the first innovator edition?
Rant over,
Thanks
Have you got things set up right on the s6 the fov is excellent so not sure about this toilet tube effect you are seeing
Ifeelsick said:
1. Note 4 Gear VR - immersive, excellent FOV
2. S6, S6 edge - cant comment but i can assume it would of been the same as the note 4, since it was designed for a 5.1" phone.
3. S6, S6 edge, S6 edge plus, note 5 - looks like your looking through a toilet roll tube. What a dissapointment. What happend?
Last thing, does anyone know if the note 5 will work with the first innovator edition?
Rant over,
Thanks
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stuaird said:
Have you got things set up right on the s6 the fov is excellent so not sure about this toilet tube effect you are seeing
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Hi, I have the note 5. Have you used the innovator edition?
Thanks
No the consumer one
Ifeelsick said:
Last thing, does anyone know if the note 5 will work with the first innovator edition?
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Click to collapse
It does not, sadly, and I don't just mean physical incompatibility. The Note 5 just doesn't launch the Oculus software at all.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62423916&postcount=7
By contrast, the "consumer" Gear VR 2015 model apparently works on a Note 4 on a software level, but Samsung was stupid enough to have the physical construction of the front smartphone mount block off the Note 4 unless you start cutting bits and pieces off.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64823075&postcount=192
What I really want to know is if the flattened sides of the later Gear VR pose a problem for Note 4/5 use, since I can't imagine them being all that great for FOV on the larger screens. The Note 4 Innovator Edition model already feels kinda like you're looking through ski goggles as it is.
Better yet, if someone could test a modified "consumer" Gear VR with a Note 4 that has a Note 5 ROM port installed, I'd like to see it. As it stands, the Note 4 Gear VR doesn't work, presumably for the same software-related reasons it doesn't work on the Note 5. Those ROM ports obviously pass the phone off as a Note 5.
Perhaps if you are not happy with Samsung's approach, you should just order BlitzWolf vr or similar.

NOTE 5

Hi with the new note 7 out soon was looking at it spec wise and price £650 plus and coming from nexus 6p was looking at Note 5 n920c is it worth as can get it at £350
Get Note 4.
why bruce ?
note 5 is damn good I bought last week only however i suggest you to wait for a week for note 7 and then take your decision.
After latest update, performance and camera is very close to note 5. Plus may be last note truly designed for power user - removable storage, interchangeable battery, IR blaster. Unlocked bootloader, Note-off screen, ui almost identical to n5, no fragile glass back, qhd, gear vr... and priced lower than n5.
What you guys think now since note 7 has been announced. Me personally it looks like a s7 edge with a pen and an expensive one at that.
Definitely an accurate assessment of it being s7 with spen but it was not an iteration of the n5 in that it added features rather than subtracted. I'm impressed with the water resistance more than anything else but I still have some reservations about it deserving to take the place of my trusty n4 due to the non removable battery and no ir blaster. I may just but a new battery and wait to see what the next Gen has to offer.

Gear VR (2016) and the Galaxy S8

I have last year's version of the Gear VR and pre-ordered a Galaxy S8. In the UK the new VR is not being offered this time round (we get a Samsung wireless speaker) so I am hoping the 2016 VR will work with the S8. I have searched the web but all I find is reference to the new version being released this year.
Hoping someone might be able to confirm this.
.
apprentice said:
I have last year's version of the Gear VR and pre-ordered a Galaxy S8. In the UK the new VR is not being offered this time round (we get a Samsung wireless speaker) so I am hoping the 2016 VR will work with the S8. I have searched the web but all I find is reference to the new version being released this year.
Hoping someone might be able to confirm this.
.
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I don't think it will work. The S8 has Type C USB port.
red6hu said:
I don't think it will work. The S8 has Type C USB port.
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Ah but the VR comes with an interchangeable plug. I used it with My Note 7. I guess it's the size of the S8 and/or the software that's probably not going to work. I don't know.
.
apprentice said:
Ah but the VR comes with an interchangeable plug. I used it with My Note 7. I guess it's the size of the S8 and/or the software that's probably not going to work. I don't know.
.
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Good to know that.
The size of the S8 is smaller than the size of the Note7, so it won't be a problem.
According the below link Gear VR 2016 is compatible with the S8.
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2017/03/deal-save-50-samsung-gear-vr-2016-31417.html
red6hu said:
Good to know that.
The size of the S8 is smaller than the size of the Note7, so it won't be a problem.
According the below link Gear VR 2016 is compatible with the S8.
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2017/03/deal-save-50-samsung-gear-vr-2016-31417.html
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You are a star! Thanks for the info
.
I've just called Samsung and they said that both S8 and S8+ will fit into the 2016 Gear VR.
I chatted with 2 different Samsung employers and one of them said it will work and the other one said it won't. Hopefully i will receive the S8 tomorrow and then i can try it myself... Any of you that have tried it?
I have the s8+ and it is too tall to fit into the gear vr even with the adjustments. Also I used micro usb to USB type C connector and it doesn't even boot up oculus. Don't think it's backwards compatible but I don't have a regular s8, so maybe it will work for that. I personally can't even get the software for gear vr to load from the headsets USB.
This does work as I have S8+ and 2016 Gear VR
SephAbdullah said:
I have the s8+ and it is too tall to fit into the gear vr even with the adjustments. Also I used micro usb to USB type C connector and it doesn't even boot up oculus. Don't think it's backwards compatible but I don't have a regular s8, so maybe it will work for that. I personally can't even get the software for gear vr to load from the headsets USB.
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Are you using the right adaptor that came with the VR? It's a small cube that replaces the entire existing plug, by sliding a small catch. Don't use a standard micro usb to usb C adaptor, that won't work and is probably the reason your phone doesn't fit in the frame.
I can confirm that my S8 does work in the 2016 VR and have been playing a couple of games successfully ... however I have experienced a complete system lock up twice now causing the phone to reboot. One occasion was just browsing my library so it wasn't down to processor load.
I believe it's more likely to be a software issue rather than the headset, so hopefully that can be fixed as I cannot justify purchasing a new VR every 12 months.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
S8+ and Gear VR sm-r323
Hi, I did a bit of research into the gear vr and decided to buy the gear vr 2016 aka sm-r323 2nd generation after reading it works with s8+ so I ordered the VR from amazon @ 45quid. When I received it the models compatible were s7, s7 edge, note 5, s6, s6 edge etc... on the box.
My phone arrived on Thursday and first thing after setting up my phone was seeing if it worked with the vr 2 aka sm-r323
And all was good it downloaded all software and ran updates and the gear vr store etc.. all looked up to date.
Downloaded a few games and roller coaster demos and the Star Wars clips all ran fine no crashes.
I'm just waiting on my motion controller to arrive now 2-3 weeks from mobile fun @ 50quid.
How ever the only thing I would say is it is a tight fit. When the phone is in with the USB c clip and in the "a" position if looking at the back of the phone it is about 1-2mm higher on the right side the end which self adjusts to size of phone.
This didn't have an effect on quality or let light in etc... I didn't notice or have any issues with it.
NickOonline said:
Hi, I did a bit of research into the gear vr and decided to buy the gear vr 2016 aka sm-r323 2nd generation after reading it works with s8+ so I ordered the VR from amazon @ 45quid. When I received it the models compatible were s7, s7 edge, note 5, s6, s6 edge etc... on the box.
My phone arrived on Thursday and first thing after setting up my phone was seeing if it worked with the vr 2 aka sm-r323
And all was good it downloaded all software and ran updates and the gear vr store etc.. all looked up to date.
Downloaded a few games and roller coaster demos and the Star Wars clips all ran fine no crashes.
I'm just waiting on my motion controller to arrive now 2-3 weeks from mobile fun @ 50quid.
How ever the only thing I would say is it is a tight fit. When the phone is in with the USB c clip and in the "a" position if looking at the back of the phone it is about 1-2mm higher on the right side the end which self adjusts to size of phone.
This didn't have an effect on quality or let light in etc... I didn't notice or have any issues with it.
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That's really helpful. Thanks! I was in two minds about selling my 2016 VR but based on what you said I'll keep it for the S8+
.
Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk
apprentice said:
Are you using the right adaptor that came with the VR? It's a small cube that replaces the entire existing plug, by sliding a small catch. Don't use a standard micro usb to usb C adaptor, that won't work and is probably the reason your phone doesn't fit in the frame.
I can confirm that my S8 does work in the 2016 VR and have been playing a couple of games successfully ... however I have experienced a complete system lock up twice now causing the phone to reboot. One occasion was just browsing my library so it wasn't down to processor load.
I believe it's more likely to be a software issue rather than the headset, so hopefully that can be fixed as I cannot justify purchasing a new VR every 12 months.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems there is a widely reported issue with the S8 freezing and rebooting generally that has nothing to do with the VR. So I am confident the 2016 VR will work fine eventually.
.
Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk
Amazon offer this year's Gear VR & controller in UK although it is rather expensive compared to the 2016 version & it frequently goes out of stock Samsung Gear VR Controller with Headphones Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XYDDQ5F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TmibzbG02CAD6
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
To all potential buyers of the older generation Gear VR: Don't get misled into those reviews saying that the previous gen USB-C Gear VR (from Note 7's generation) works with the S8+. It technically does work but there are some compromises.
I currently have both, and you can very clearly tell the difference between them. I mean very clearly.
The older Gear VR's alignment is slightly off to the left if used with S8+ (the center line is not exactly in the center). But it's OK with the S8 non-plus and Note 7 if you're wondering.
The newer model has clearly less chromatic aberration and much better sharpness off-center sharpness (I'm not talking about the extreme edges, but the sides of the view screen that you very frequently look at). It's either a lens issue with the older one or because of the above problem.
It can theoretically be fixed in software but I'm not sure if they will ever do it.
Syraxius said:
The older Gear VR's alignment is slightly off to the left if used with S8+ (the center line is not exactly in the center). But it's OK with the S8 non-plus.
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The alignment issue affects the standard S8 as well. Some people don't notice because they can't or don't maximize the FOV, but if you do you will definitely see part of the image intended for one eye with the other.
For the record the compatibility issue isn't with the main Gear VR unit itself but with the Type-C connector specifically. You can make the 2016 model properly compatible with S8 devices simply by acquiring and using a Type-C connector from a 2017 model (they are cross-compatible).
Colonel_Izzi said:
The alignment issue affects the standard S8 as well. Some people don't notice because they can't or don't maximize the FOV, but if you do you will definitely see part of the image intended for one eye with the other.
For the record the compatibility issue isn't with the main Gear VR unit itself but with the Type-C connector specifically. You can make the 2016 model properly compatible with S8 devices simply by acquiring and using a Type-C connector from a 2017 model (they are cross-compatible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see how the USB Type-C connector from the latest version of the GearVR is all that different from the connector from last years model. I think the problem maybe due to the screen aspect ratio of the SGS8 series as it has a 18.5:9 rather than a 16:9, which is what is most commonly found on past android flagships.
DarkGuyver said:
I don't see how the USB Type-C connector from the latest version of the GearVR is all that different from the connector from last years model.
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See: https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/wik...5.2C_2016_and_2017_consumer_gear_vr_models.3F
cainn24 said:
See: https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/wik...5.2C_2016_and_2017_consumer_gear_vr_models.3F
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I honestly wouldn't have notice the size difference if somebody hadn't point it out to me.
Colonel_Izzi said:
The alignment issue affects the standard S8 as well. Some people don't notice because they can't or don't maximize the FOV, but if you do you will definitely see part of the image intended for one eye with the other.
For the record the compatibility issue isn't with the main Gear VR unit itself but with the Type-C connector specifically. You can make the 2016 model properly compatible with S8 devices simply by acquiring and using a Type-C connector from a 2017 model (they are cross-compatible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, so better get a good BoboVR Z4 and activate Gear VR developer mode to get most of both worlds
The 2017 connector is not easy to find

which VR headsets work best?

When I got both my s8 the promo was 6 months Netflix and a micosd card. Now that I switched to note 8. The promo was the watch for 50 bucks. So I missed on the gear promo. So many people got a free VR no one is looking to buy them. My question should I spend 120 bucks on the Samsung one? Even heard the 2017 one works but that's 80 bucks. The other day at Wal-Mart I seen a cheap onn brand for like 12 bucks and it fits the note8. What will I miss out on if I pick up something cheaper?
I have several VR that I use for my Note 3, Been using it on my Note 8 and try Gear VR, not even come close to Gear VR experience. Will be getting Gear VR end of this month.
the gear VR has its own exclusive VR environment and apps that aren't available with any other headset.
the gear VR also has support for a "laser pointer" controller(included in some versions) which doesn't work with any other headset.
and the gear VR has a touchpad for input, where others have at most a single button.
aside from that it's just a well designed VR headset.
I got the Gear VR (SM-R324) on eBay for $45 shipped, slightly used. I made sure the images showed the right USB-C adapter piece. It was designed for the Galaxy S8+ but works on Note 8. There's a VERY slight fitment issue but it works right out of the box. For the fitment to be perfect, you just have to cut, drill, or dremel out 2 small sections of plastic that interface with the top corners of the phone, opposite the USB-C connector. If done right, it would be hard to even know it was modded. I'm planning to finish my mods soon and will share an image.
I've used Google Cardboard and Gear VR and the Gear VR wins hands down especially one with the controller. I got mine free from using Samsung pay points. I did all those promos in the month of October and easily obtained 12,000 points.
Thanks guys. I brought the 8+ one and will make the mods. I have 3 phones 2 s8 and one note8 so I did the Amazon card promo and got 50% of the purchase price off lol. Unfortunately I did not do the October promos since I was blind to such a cool way of paying with Samsung pay. Only after I got a 200 Amazon gift card from opening a credit card through my union that I was like might as well get the gear 3 watch and that's when I learned more about a this.
on the S8/S8+ version you don't need to make any alterations.
it's a tight fit, but it will work.

Can we use Samsung VR with P30 PRo

Can we use Samsung VR 3 with Huawei P30 Pro???
lol no
You can try this method
While the Oculus Mobile SDK might eventually spread to other smartphones and accompanying virtual reality hardware, for now it remains relegated to Samsung’s Gear VR. In turn, the Gear VR is designed (both in terms of physical construction and software) to work with only one smartphone from Samsung’s stable of many: the Galaxy Note 4. Obviously, that leaves a large majority of the Android-toting population squarely stuck in their non-virtual realities. What if there was a way to get the Samsung Gear VR to work with other devices?
Inspired by a post by Pure Engineering on Android Forums, we decided to investigate. It turns out using an unsupported phone is not completely out of the realm of possibilities, but it comes with a few major caveats. The Oculus Mobile SDK is currently only optimized for the Galaxy Note 4, its processing suite, and embedded sensors. Using another device will not provide the true Gear VR experience, providing limited control and not taking advantage of the headsets more unique features and software-specific enhancements.
Fitting the phone
gear-vr-note-4
First and foremost, the Gear VR is built to connect via Micro USB to the Note 4 and hold it snugly in place with a clamping mechanism. In order to fit another device into the Gear VR, the phone must be generally the same size as Samsung’s phablet, which features a 5.7-inch display.
Any phone should also have a Micro USB connector centered on the bottom of the device. The USB port will strictly be a matter of fit, as the connection will serve no function due to the lack of software link between a device other than the Note 4 and the Gear VR. One benefit of connecting to the USB port is it will help hold a smaller smartphone in place. It is possible to finagle a device without the proper USB port placement into position (especially if it is smaller), but there may be the potential for damage to both your device and the Gear VR headset.
gear-vr-gs5
Some devices that we tested and more-or-less fit include:
Samsung Galaxy S5
Samsung Galaxy S4
Nexus 5
Motorola DROID Turbo
In general, if the phone is smaller than the Note 4 it should fit, so you might add devices like the HTC One M8, LG G3, and Moto X to the above list. Most of these devices being too small for the clasping mechanism to function properly, you might utilize a case or get some felt or other soft material for added padding. The Nexus 6 is a bit too large to fit properly, but the OnePlus One slots in without any additional padding.
gear-vr-droid-turbo
Once you fit your device, the Gear VR will be used more or less in the same fashion as Google Cardboard or a similar low-cost virtual reality substitute, utilizing the Gear VR’s stereoscopic lenses only.
Installing the right software
Since your unsupported phone will not take advantage of the Gear VR’s special Oculus software, you will need to install the proper applications to create 3D and VR content.
Google Cardboard eye holes
Google Cardboard is perhaps the most full featured of these options, providing stereoscopic viewing experiences to create three-dimensional environments that can be explored with the movement of your head. Google Cardboard includes a number of neat demos as well as the ability to view YouTube in a virtual theater and also import your own content.
Another option would be to use a stereoscopic video viewer like VR Player. VR Player does not include all the bells and whistles that we find in Google Cardboard, but it does offer 2D and 3D video playback tailored to viewing with a set of VR goggles like the Gear VR.
What works, what doesn’t
In the case of using a device other than the Galaxy Note 4, the Gear VR is being utilized for its mounting hardware and lenses alone. As long as your device has a screen similar in size to the Note 4’s 5.7-inch display, you will get pretty accurate 2D and 3D viewing of video, games, and photos. Since the lenses are designed to work most accurately with the Note 4’s display, smaller (and larger, if they will fit) devices may provide a less than perfect experience. The Gear VR’s manual focus wheel can also be used to physically move the display nearer or farther from the eyes to adjust clarity.
The head tracking and VR experience will largely be dependent on the software used. The Oculus technology and software utilized by the Note 4 and Gear VR will not be available, so touchscreen controls (or a Bluetooth controller) are required to navigate menus and perform other actions. The Gear VR’s touchpad, volume controls, and other buttons will not function. You will not have access to the Oculus Store and VR content available exclusively to the Galaxy Note 4 when paired with the Gear VR.
A neat trick, but should you buy the Gear VR for your unsupported smartphone?
It has been demonstrated that the Gear VR can indeed “work” with an Android smartphone other than the Galaxy Note 4, but after evaluating the result we can’t whole heartedly say it’s a very worthwhile experience. Unless you plan on upgrading to the Note 4 in the near future, at $200 the Gear VR is simply too expensive when compared to cheaper Google Cardboard holders that will produce an identical experience.
The real value is in the Oculus software included with the Note 4. It is one of the more refreshing, exciting, and immersive experiences to grace the Android ecosystem in quite some time. Again, that won’t be available on unsupported smartphones, but if you own a Note 4, by all means think about picking up the Gear VR (we’ll have a full review soon).
If you want to see what other early adopters are up to as they explore the ins and outs of the Gear VR Innovator Edition, be sure to head over to our Gear VR forum for all the latest, tips, tricks, hints, and revelations.
UPDATE: Here is Samsung’s official comment on using the Gear VR with other smartphones, from Nick DiCarlo, VP GM of Immersive Products and Virtual Reality.
Please Note: I didn't try in Samsung galaxy P30 but I think this should work.

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