New $99 Samsung Gear VR Powered by Oculus Available for Pre-Order Today

Gear VR Offers Premium Mobile VR Experience and a Range of Immersive Games and Content from Netflix, Lionsgate, 20th Century Fox and more

(Photo: Business Wire)

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.--()--Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced that the new Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus is available for pre-order in the U.S. starting today. The new consumer edition of the Gear VR is compatible with Samsung’s 2015 flagship smartphones, the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, utilizing each device’s super AMOLED display to provide the color, clarity and performance needed for an amazing virtual reality experience.

“Samsung is leveraging its leadership in mobile, by giving millions of Samsung Galaxy smartphone owners’ access to amazing virtual reality experiences including immersive games, the ability to explore beautiful photographs and exciting videos in 360 degrees, and much more,” said Nick DiCarlo, vice president, Immersive Products and Virtual Reality at Samsung Electronics America. “The quality of the VR experience provided by Galaxy smartphones and Oculus software is unparalleled, taking virtual reality out of the early adopter space and into the mainstream with this revolutionary product.”

“This is an incredible moment for virtual reality as we introduce the absolute best VR experience on mobile today," said Max Cohen, head of mobile, Oculus. “People all over the world can now turn their mobile phone into an immersive VR experience with made-for-VR games and thousands of amazing 2D, 3D and 360 degree videos and films.”

The Gear VR is now available for pre-order on Samsung.com, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, and will begin shipping as early as November 20. Gear VR will retail for $99.99 MSRP. It will be available online at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Samsung.com and at retail at BestBuy, as early as November 20. T-Mobile will offer the Gear VR beginning November 27 in stores and online at T-Mobile.com. AT&T will offer the Gear VR and will confirm specific availability.

The Samsung Gear VR is 19 percent lighter than the previous Gear VR Innovator Edition, and includes new foam cushioning to make the device more comfortable to wear. In addition, the Gear VR’s touchpad has been improved, providing greater control and easier navigation while enjoying the wide range of film, gaming, 360 degree video and experiential content available for Gear VR.

Samsung Gear VR users can play dozens of new made-for-VR games that are coming to the Oculus platform this year, including CCP’s “Gunjack” and Ustwo Games’ “Lands End.” People can also enjoy a wide range of content from Samsung Milk VR, a premium virtual reality content service, watch the entire Netflix** catalog of original series, documentaries and films, and explore Oculus Video, where viewers can watch thousands of videos and films from Lionsgate, 20th Century Fox, Twitch, and Vimeo.

Working closely with the major wireless providers, an update for the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note 5 will be available in time for the Gear VR launch to make the phones compatible with the new headset.

For more information and media assets on the Gear VR, please visit www.samsung.com/GearVR.

 

Samsung Gear VR Product Specifications

Dimension / Weight       201.9 x 116.4 x 92.6 mm / 318g
Sensor       Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Proximity(Mount/Unmount Detection)
FOV

*Field of View

      96 degrees
IPD Coverage       54 ~ 70 mm (Fixed Lenses)
Color       Frost White
Compatibility       microUSB connection to the Galaxy Note 5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge
 

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

**Netflix streaming subscription required.

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), is a recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA delivers a broad range of digital consumer electronics, IT and home appliance products. Samsung is the market leader for HDTVs in the U.S and America’s fastest growing home appliance brand. To discover more of the award-winning products you love with Samsung, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 319,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of US $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com

Contacts

Allison+Partners for Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Sara Mandel, +1 646-428-0624
samsungaccessories@allisonpr.com

Contacts

Allison+Partners for Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Sara Mandel, +1 646-428-0624
samsungaccessories@allisonpr.com