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

A look at the Samsung-Oculus-birthed virtual reality headset that's made to work with the new Galaxy Note 4.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
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1 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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2 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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3 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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4 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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.

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5 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

A look from the side.

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6 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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7 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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8 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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9 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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10 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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11 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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12 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

A peek at the magnifying lenses inside.

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13 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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14 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

A peek at the foam eyepieces.

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15 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

The top strap loops around and detaches.

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16 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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17 of 17 Sarah Tew / CNET

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

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