Samsung Gear VR has played a massively important role in popularising mobile VR experiences. But, the technology as well as the ecosystem has since then evolved to accommodate new competitors armed with new features. And they’ve now been giving the Korean behemoth a run for its money. Thus, Samsung is now gearing up to upgrade their mobile VR headset and it might come packed with a wireless controller this time around.
Samsung first debuted the Gear VR back in late 2015. The headset reached masses due to the company’s scheme of handing out the same for free with their flagship device lineup — Galaxy S7. But, over the past year, consumers have become more accustomed with this technology.
Thus, it saw a trend shift and people now buying VR headsets, such as Google’s Daydream View, for better optics and controls. But, the highlight of the Daydream headset is that it comes with a minimally designed wireless controller. And Samsung is now looking to replace their in-built trackpad with an external handheld controller.
Fresh reports from SamMobile, a tweet from renowned tipster Roland Quandt, and an FCC filing all point towards this upcoming addition for the Gear VR. The new headset, as the tweet suggests, will bear the model number SM-R324 and is going to debut minor design and feature improvements over the previous version.
The front cover of the Gear VR has been redesigned to now hold the massive new upcoming flagship, Galaxy S8. The tweet further adds the new headset will come with a ‘single hand controller,’ aimed at making controlling multimedia playback, games and other apps. This controller is expected to host similarities to Daydream View’s wireless controller and would be a welcome change for improved mobile VR experiences.
Samsung Gear VR SM-R324 is coming – same as SM-R323 for S7, but gets different front cover to hold Galaxy S8 – and a single hand controller.
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) February 20, 2017
Further, it is okay to get hyped about the upcoming features and upgrades, but the launch date is even more important to us as well as the average consumer. And the rumor mill is currently buzzing with the speculation that Samsung may debut its upgraded Gear VR headset with the handheld controller alongside the Galaxy S8, scheduled for a launch on March 29 in New York.
