Samsung Gear VR turns a smartphone into virtual reality (hands-on pictures)

Samsung Gear VR is a set of VR goggles, but how do they differ from other VR headsets? Read on.

Sleek and plastic, they look a bit like Sony's Project Morpheus but feel like Oculus Rift.

There's no way to look good while wearing VR goggles. But the Velcro straps held the goggles tight.

Inside the front, a bracket to hold a Samsung Galaxy Note 4. A Note 4 is required: its higher-res Quad HD display and Snapdragon 805 processor help the VR run smoothly.

A look from the side.

On the right side, a touchpad control plus volume and a back button allow extra interaction besides tilting your head.

The trackpad runs smoothly but it's a little hard to track down while wearing the Gear VR.

A top dial adjusts focus manually, like binoculars. I still need to use my glasses, but I've got -9 prescription.

My ears got a little squished from the ski goggle-like elastic band. I should have readjusted.

Gear VR should be available this fall, but will need to run its own software.

The goggles are pretty lightweight, and comfortable enough for the brief session I tried.

A peek at the magnifying lenses inside.

"Powered by Oculus" appears on the side of Gear VR: the technology is very similar.

A peek at the foam eyepieces.

The top strap loops around and detaches.

Will developers flock to Gear VR? It's hard to tell yet.

I liked wearing it, but I got a little dizzy.