Samsung Gear VR

Samsung's Gear VR is the first mainstream VR headset, but it's not without its flaws. It is a great first effort and has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, the frequency with which the phone overheats while you're using the headset will disappoint many users. VR enthusiasts will enjoy what's offered, but the limitations may put off the average consumer.

The Gear VR Innovator Edition sucks you into a thrilling and immersive 360-degree world of games, video and more, even if it’s only for early adopters right now.

It’s too early to pass judgement on the new Gear VR. If you’re seriously into VR videos and/or you’re buying a Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus, it’s an obvious choice – though sadly here in the UK you won’t get it for free with an S8 or S8 Plus like you will in the US. If you’re after games, you’ll have to wait to see what developers build that takes advantage of the controller – though from the look of Samsung’s new VR site, it’s making a major investment in VR content. So here’s hoping that it lives up to the platforms potential.

It’s still very early days for virtual reality and Samsung’s Gear VR is an excellent first try. I like that the entire experience can run off a phone and that the Oculus app acts as a hub for all Gear VR content. It’s a slick user experience and there’s a ton of content available, though some are still a bit gimmicky. For the price, the $99 Gear VR is a no brainer for people who have a Galaxy S6 or Note5 phone. There’s enough good content that you’ll keep using the headset and the experience can only get better from here. If you don’t have a supported Samsung phone, the Gear VR isn’t compelling enough to merit switching handsets. The Gear VR provides a tiny glimpse at what the future of virtual reality will entail. Content creators are still thinking about new ways to utilize VR, and you’ll probably need to upgrade to new Gear VR headsets in the future. But for right now, it’s a compelling option for those wanting a small taste of what’s to come.

Samsung has made a habit of giving its Gear VR headset minor updates with every flagship phone launch. And it’s done the same for the new Galaxy S8 and S8+ – although not a whole lot has changed.

The Samsung Gear VR is a great, portable introduction for Samsung Galaxy Note 4 owners to the possibilities opened up by the Oculus technology that powers it—but for consumers, that’s all it is for now. It’s fun, and it’s an important stepping stone on the path to wireless head-mounted virtual-reality displays, but this developer kit has precious few applications for it outside the novelty of experiencing VR for the first time. If you’re a developer with big ideas for virtual-reality Android apps, jump right on board; if you’re a VR enthusiast, just keep in mind that you still have to wait before you’ll have more than a party trick in your hands.