Samsung's first VR headset now on sale

Presented in a world premiere at IFA 2014, the Samsung Gear VR is now available in the US for $199.99. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the only device compatible with the new virtual/augmented reality headset.

Samsung-Gear-VR-Photo-AFP

Presented in a world premiere at IFA 2014, the Samsung Gear VR is now available in the US for $199.99. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the only device compatible with the new virtual/augmented reality headset.

When paired with the phablet, the Samsung Gear VR allows users to take a break from reality through a 360-degree immersive experience of movies or video games, for example. The device is due to launch in European countries over the coming months with a price of around €200.

The Samsung Gear VR was developed in collaboration with Oculus, a leading name in the virtual reality headset field. Owned by Facebook, Oculus has presented several prototypes (Crystal Cove, Crescent Bay) and is preparing to launch its first production model, the Oculus Rift, in 2015.

In the meantime, other device manufacturers have already entered the fray with their own virtual reality headsets. The French brand Archos, for example, recently introduced its VR Glasses, which are compatible with all smartphones and cost just $29.99.