Samsung’s virtual reality headset, the Gear VR, has gone on sale to conumers in the United States.
The device, which uses a Galaxy Note 4 smartphone to provide the power and the screen, is up for grabs for $200 (around £120).
However, the launch isn’t exactly a final consumer release for the headset, which allows users to jump into virtual reality worlds courtesy of their Note 4.
Samsung is launching the Gear VR today as an “Innovator Edition,” rather than the finished article.
As such, Samsung is requiring anyone who orders the device to acknowledge its intended purpose. As a result, it includes access to the SDK which will enable folks to crease new tools.
The Gear VR is built with a little help from Oculus, the maker of the Rift VR headset, which is also yet to benefit from a full consumer year. Those who buy the Gear VR will have access to the Oculus VR store.
“Powered by Oculus and the Galaxy Note 4,” Samsung says, “Gear VR Innovator Edition gives content creators and VR enthusiasts a chance to get their hands on the first virtual reality experience powered by a smartphone. Early adopters can enjoy a host of new content experiences, as they also begin to create their own.”
There’s no word yet on when the full consumer edition of the Gear VR will be launched, but for those who can’t wait another minute to get in on the VR revolution the time is now. Just make sure you’ve got a Note 4 in your locker before clicking that ‘buy’ button.
Read more: Hands on with the Oculus Rift
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
