Samsung has announced a major Gear VR update here at MWC 2017. Without going into much details, the company teased a brand new version of the Gear VR. Interestingly, the headset was accompanied by a handheld controller.
Samsung first announced the Gear VR back in 2014 and since then, the headset has managed to occupy a special place among VR lovers. The device is counted right near the top alongside HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Meanwhile, the company has kept it up to date with some major updates that were released over the air.
However, there have not been any important updates in recent months and there has been a fear of Gear VR playing second fiddle to Google’s Daydream View headsets. Google’s offering for instance, also packs a motion controller that is absent in the Gear. This particular update that introduces a handheld controller to users, could quell these fears while also offering users alternative method of control.
Control has been a issue with the Gear VR. The buttons, if you recall, are situated on the side of the headset. Definitely not a convenient place if you have to use them multiple times. With this handheld controller, Samsung would likely be unable to emulate the level of precision that Vive or Rift offer with their touch based controls. However, users will receive a brand new method of navigating that does not require them to keep their hand near their heads.
The new controllers could also allow Samsung to introduce new titles to its platform The company has been attempting to encourage users to use external game-pads for using the complex titles like the Minecraft. This latest addition is a big step along the same direction.
Meanwhile, there are no details regarding price or availability. This is not surpising considering that Samsung has not divulged price or availability for any of the devices it released today. However, the company has asked developers to keep an eye out for a SDK that will allow them to make cool stuff that involves the use of the new handheld controller.
So, who is up for some lawn tennis eh?
