Samsung Gear VR Headset Launched at Rs. 8,200

Samsung India on Thursday, apart from launching its new Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic smartwatches, also launched the Gear VR headset in the country. The new Gear VR headset is powered by Oculus VR software and has been priced at Rs. 8,200. Much like the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic smartwatches, the Gear VR will be available via the company's physical retail channels as well as online via Flipkart from Thursday.

Samsung at the launch stressed that Gear VR headgear works seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones. Currently, the Gear VR supports the latest high-end Galaxy smartphones including the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge. Samsung also added the recently unveiled Galaxy Note 5 Dual SIM to the compatible devices list.

The company also said that the new Samsung Gear VR is 19 percent lighter compared to the previous model. It also features a large touchpad for control. It weighs 318 grams without Galaxy smartphone and measures 201.9x116.4x92.6mm. The Gear VR comes with a field of view of 96 degrees. It packs back, volume, and focus adjustment wheel button for controls.

The Gear VR packs sensors such as gyro, accelerometer, and proximity. The device can be charged via Micro-USB. The Gear VR comes with soft, flexible cushioning material, and also features adjustable straps for ease of use.

The Gear VR headgear will support 360-degree videos. Gear VR Consumers Edition that launched last year came with access to Oculus Video and Oculus Arcade for videos and games. The company has not detailed whether the Gear VR will come with access to Oculus videos and games.

Announcing the new Gear VR headgear, Manu Sharma, Director, Marketing said, "Gear VR presents the unique opportunity for consumers to get an immersive virtual reality experience."

Samsung India unveiled the Gear S2 at Rs. 24,300 and the Gear S2 Classic at Rs. 25,800. Both the new wearables will go on sale starting Thursday.