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Virtual reality comes to the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge with new Gear VR (pictures)

Take a closer look at Samsung's latest VR headset for mobile phones.

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Nate Ralph
Associate Editor Nate Ralph is an aspiring wordsmith, covering mobile software and hardware for CNET Reviews. His hobbies include dismantling gadgets, waxing poetic about obscure ASCII games, and wandering through airports.
Nate Ralph
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1 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The latest version of the Gear VR headset only works with Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. It's a $200 device (about £115 or AU$230) aimed at developers who are interested in taking the plunge into smartphone-based virtual reality.

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2 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The new headset is about 15 percent lighter than the last model.

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3 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

Tuck a Galaxy S6 or an S6 Edge into these notches on the front and the phone will snap right into place.

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4 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The straps on the top and sides have been tweaked so the headset is a little more comfortable.

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5 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

You can't wear glasses while you're wearing the Gear VR headset, but the focus wheel up top lets you adjust the focus to suit your liking.

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6 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

I was told that it should work for folks who are near-sighted, but you'll likely want to try it for yourself before you pick up a set of your own.

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7 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

There's a Micro-USB port on the bottom of the headset but it won't actually charge the phone -- it'll just keep the battery from draining, so you can keep playing for as long as you're willing to be tethered.

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8 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

The headset is powered by software built by Oculus, the Facebook-owned VR company that makes the Oculus Rift. You'll be able to purchase apps and games from an Oculus app store.

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9 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

A recessed touchpad helps you get around, a back button takes you back to the previous menu or page, and there are volume controls too.

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