Samsung Gear VR Controller

It's hard to objectively explain how excited to feel about being able to access VR content designed for Smartphones, and to be able to feel, visualize and interact with it as if were content designed for High-end Computer + HMD; this and more offers the new Gear VR control, making primitive the traditional selection method. This is a huge step towards in user comfort since it involves to forget the selection methods directly from the headset, so having to execute tasks that are supposed to be simple (like typing) and had become a headache (specifically neck-pain). The GearVR Controller operation remembers HTC Vive control systems, and its use is much more simplified, which means that from now on it is possible to develop interactive content much more efficient, and to be able to offer a more comfortable user experience.

Honestly I think that the new Gear VR controller offers the perfect complement to any interactive experience for Virtual Reality, and also its smartphone link and operation is very simple which facilitates access to any type of user; but I'm sure that it will not replace the traditional game controllers (like "Stratus XL") whose design, use and function are widespread in the video game market and the younger population. From the VR developer point of view, this new control means a huge step forward to the Gear VR as a system, and facilitates the possibility to make developments for both High-end and Phone-based systems, which means a priceless contribution in this uncharted territory.

+Info: 

http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/gear-vr/

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/virtual-reality/gear-vr/vr-controller-et-yo324bbegus/

Photo Reference:

More photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskXopDUB

Reviews:

Samsung Gear Finally Gets a Controller for Awesomer VR

https://www.wired.com/2017/02/samsung-gear-finally-gets-controller-awesomer-vr/

Oculus launches social VR hangout “Rooms” and phone calls

https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/16/facebook-social-vr-rooms/

Oculus Home update on Samsung Gear VR adds custom Avatars, web browser

http://mashable.com/2017/03/29/oculus-home-update-gear-vr/

Samsung Gear VR and Controller are made for each other in the best possible way

http://mashable.com/2017/04/18/samsung-gear-vr-headset-and-controller-review/

Samsung Gear VR (2017) review

http://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gear-vr-2017-review-764883/

Samsung's new Gear VR controller looks like just the thing Gear needs (hands-on) 

https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-gear-vr-controller/preview/

The Gear VR’s new controller is a big step forward — but where is the headset going?

https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/18/15331602/samsung-oculus-gear-vr-motion-controller-review

Samsung Gear VR (2017) review

https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-gear-vr-2017/review/

A first look at Gear VR's motion controller

https://www.engadget.com/2017/02/27/gear-vr-controller-first-look/

Samsung's Gear VR controller makes mobile VR more immersive

https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/18/samsung-gear-vr-controller-review/

June 09/06/2017

HOMIDO V2

Homido V2 Virtual Reality Headset for Smartphone
http://www.homido.com/en/shop/products/homido-hmd-v2

We are very proud to announce to our clients, partners and friends the acquisition of the latest design by the French company Homido, which with this second version has greatly improved its first model reaching the ideal comfort level for visualization of Virtual Reality and 360º Videos for smartphones (Android & iOs). One of the main features of this excellent headset design is the interpupillary adjustment (which doesn't have the Samsung VR) as well as the optimal 103° Field Of View.
 

Important to note that this design includes the "conductive button" (silver color) that didn't have the previous design, so it is guaranteed compatibility with any kind of app that requires user interaction with the touch screen. It should be noted that is possible to make a individual adjustment of the field of vision according to the eye (left or right) as the previous version, ideal for users that have myopia or astigmatism.

This new design includes a retractable hatch with magnetic clasp that secures the smatphone and enables the use of practically any size and model. Equipped with 35mm lenses and a design that enables an ideal ventilation, make this headset the ideal choice for VR visualization for any kind of smartphones.

 

Photographic reference:

Homido V2

Original Design vs Version 2 comparison

Original Design vs Version 2 comparison

Original Design vs Version 2 comparison

Original Design vs Version 2 comparison

More Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskLQsJaf

Reviews:

Homido's V2 headset is a huge upgrade over the original!
http://www.vrheads.com/homido-v2-huge-upgrade

Homido Goes All-In With the V2 for Mobile Virtual Reality
https://geekdad.com/2016/08/homido/

Homido V2
https://www.virtual-reality-shop.co.uk/homido-v2/

Homido V2 : Le nouveau casque de réalité virtuelle d’Homido
http://www.realite-virtuelle.com/test-homido-v2

Homido Launching V2 Virtual Reality Headset, Controller, 360-Degree Camera
http://www.megatechnews.com/homido-launching-homido-v2-virtual-reality-headset-controller-360-degree-camera/

Homido presents new Virtual Reality headset V2 for smartphones
http://www.mobilescout.com/new-products/news/n71613/Homido-Virtual-Reality-V2-smartphones.html

Homido V2 : un nouveau casque de réalité virtuelle complet grâce à ses accessoires
http://hitek.fr/actualite/homido-v2-casque-realite-virtuelle-android-ios_10280

Samsung Gear VR (2016)

Samsung Gear VR (2016) - SM-R323NBKAXAR - Virtual Reality Headset powered by Oculus.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/virtual-reality/gear-vr/sm-r323nbkaxar-sm-r323nbkaxar/
http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/gear-vr/?cid=van-mb-cph-0716-10000089
http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/gear-vr/

Honestly think about improving something that is good in itself is no easy task, and this is the case of the "Samsung Gear VR" with its new model. The main reason that motivated me to opt for the new model (despite not have the inter-pupillar config option as "Homido" headset have) is that the first version of the Gear VR is designed for a small-scale face (IPD: 54 ~ 70 mm), this means that for people who have big face the "tunnel" effect increases.

In this new model the Field of View was increased to 101 degrees, beating the 96º of the first initial model; which means a considerable difference in visualization quality. An added value of the new Samsung Gear VR 2016 is the compatibility 100% with the "Gear 360" camera, which is an excellent complement for content development to this VR headset.

In few words the new model of Samsung Gear VR is the best choice of VR visualization for Samsung smartphones apps.

Photographic reference:

More pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHskGbDTSw

Recommended reviews:

Samsung Gear VR (2015) vs. Samsung Gear VR (2016)
https://www.vrbound.com/compare/samsung/gear-vr/vs/samsung/gear-vr-2016

Samsung Gear VR (2016)
https://www.vrbound.com/headsets/samsung/gear-vr-2016

Samsung Gear VR (2016) review:
https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-gear-vr-2016/

Samsung Gear VR (2016) review
https://www.wareable.com/samsung/new-samsung-gear-vr-2016-review

Samsung Gear VR 2016 Review
http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Gear-VR-2016-Review_id4247

Related information:

Samsung Gear VR: Tricks And Hacks Guide
http://www.ultravr.org/samsung-gear-vr-ultimate-guide/

Problems with Samsung Gear VR Right Now and How to Fix Them
http://joyofandroid.com/problems-with-samsung-gear-vr-right-now-and-how-to-fix-them/

Additional VR Hardware:

- Intel Dual Xeon Server http://goo.gl/6qFKat
- 3D Desktop Computer http://goo.gl/WqiqBp
- Oculus Rift DK2 http://goo.gl/O9K6Pf
- Samsung Gear VR: http://goo.gl/vXcb7A
- Homido VR headset http://goo.gl/fCltxb
- Stratus XL Controller http://goo.gl/90s69J
- Kinect 360 Motion Sensor http://goo.gl/VVLG5r
- Kinect V2 Motion Sensor http://goo.gl/0D6NQ8
- VR Hardware: http://goo.gl/f22O9t
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti Superclocked http://goo.gl/bSbZkm
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked http://goo.gl/Yhh4fb

Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR - Virtual Reality Headset powered by Oculus.

http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/wearables/gear-vr/
https://www3.oculus.com/en-us/gear-vr/

I am pleased to announce the latest hardware addition to my 3D Design Studio. This device is designed to work with the latest Samsung smartphones and has shown great acceptance the public. With this new hardware I can guarantee once again the highest quality of content development for Virtual Reality, specifically on Android based Samsung Gear VR applications. Samsung GearVR was first launched on 27th November 2015 which is specially designed for SmartPhones by Samsung electronics in collaboration of Oculus.

Photographic reference:

Samsung Gear VR + Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smatphone

Steelseries Stratus XL Wireless Controller

Samsung Level U Pro Bluetooth Wireless In-ear Headphones with Microphone

More pictures: https://www.flickr.com/gp/maromero/0cB1Pu

Recommended reviews:

https://www.engadget.com/2014/09/03/samsung-virtual-reality
http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-gear-vr-2015
https://www.engadget.com/products/samsung/gear/vr
http://www.trustedreviews.com/samsung-gear-vr-review
http://www.ultravr.org/samsung-gear-vr-ultimate-guide

Related information:

Samsung Gear VR: Tricks And Hacks Guide
http://www.ultravr.org/samsung-gear-vr-ultimate-guide/

Problems with Samsung Gear VR Right Now and How to Fix Them
http://joyofandroid.com/problems-with-samsung-gear-vr-right-now-and-how-to-fix-them/

Additional VR Hardware:

- Intel Dual Xeon Server http://goo.gl/6qFKat
- 3D Desktop Computer http://goo.gl/WqiqBp
- Oculus Rift DK2 http://goo.gl/O9K6Pf
- Homido VR headset http://goo.gl/fCltxb
- Stratus XL Controller http://goo.gl/90s69J
- Kinect 360 Motion Sensor http://goo.gl/VVLG5r
- Kinect V2 Motion Sensor http://goo.gl/0D6NQ8
- VR Hardware: http://goo.gl/f22O9t
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti Superclocked http://goo.gl/bSbZkm
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked http://goo.gl/Yhh4fb

Stratus XL Wireless Controller

Stratus XL Wireless Controller
https://steelseries.com/gaming-controllers/stratus-xl-for-windows-and-android

Was made for Windows & Android, which leverages the Microsoft XInput game controller API. With XInput, the Stratus XL will function just like a console-style gaming controller on Android. The Bluetooth connection will allow the user link to any SmartPhone and tablet device.

This controller has the familiar size and layout of console controllers; it features an 8-way directional pad (D-pad), two high fidelity, clickable analog joysticks, four face buttons and a total of four shoulder buttons, including two top shoulder buttons and two analog triggers. The Stratus XL also features four LEDs for player indicator and battery status level. For added convenience three center buttons allow easy navigation in games and Steam Big Picture Mode. Powered by AA batteries, the Stratus XL will deliver an estimated 40 hours of gameplay.

The Stratus XL Wireless Controller is the best choice to be used on VR applications based on Android. Stratus XL is my choice for VR developments based on Android apps to be used on Homido, Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard.

Size comparison: Stratus XL - Xbox 360 Controller

More Photos:  https://flic.kr/s/aHskAtjTEY

Reviews:

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/steelseries_stratus_xl_for_windows_and_android_review,1.html

https://afterpad.com/steelseries-stratus-xl-review-mfi-iphone-controller/

http://www.gamenguide.com/articles/17748/20141224/steelseries-stratus-xl-review-the-pinnacle-of-mfi-ios-controllers.htm

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/scienceandtech/hardware-reviews/15100-Steelseries-Stratus-XL-Review#&gid=gallery_5177&pid=1

http://www.androidauthority.com/steelseries-announces-the-stratus-xl-wireless-gaming-controller-for-windows-and-android-617164/

http://www.windowscentral.com/new-steelseries-stratus-xl-game-controller-works-windows-and-android-games

June 05, 2016

Homido VR headset

Homido, virtual reality headset

Website: http://www.homido.com/en

The Homido VR provides a low cost intro into smartphone-based virtual reality or 360º videos, and it’s more convenient than Google Cardboard. It is designed to hold a smartphone in front of your eyes so you can view VR and augmented reality content in the most immersive way possible.

HOMIDO - Original Design

The lenses are the most important part of any VR headset, and the Homido comes with three different cones to hold them in place, all made for different focal lengths (Adjustable focal lengths). On the faceplate there are two rotating knobs for adjusting the depth of view and IPD settings (Adjustable Inter-pupillar distance). Any device with a 5-inch 1080p resolution is recommended, but it’ll work with just about any phone, regardless of OS.

Homido VR is my choice as developer for any Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear apps. Unlike Cardboard, this is a solid but lightweight, complete with three lens fittings, a secure hands-free design and compatibility across most 5-inch smartphones.

More Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskziRUTm

Reviews:

Comparing virtual reality headsets: Google Cardboard, FreeFly VR, Homido VR and Samsung Gear VR review.
http://www.gadgets-reviews.com/review/144-comparing-smart-phone-vr-headset-google-cardboard-homido-and-samsung-gear-review.html#ixzz4QlxzV87r