Oculus VR has disabled the Samsung Gear VR headset’s compatibility with the company’s doomed Note 7 headset.
In an arguably long-overdue move, the Facebook-owned VR pioneer is now preventing downloads of the Oculus app required to use the headset with a Note 7.
The app is now no longer functioning for folks who’ve already installed it on the device.
Related: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall FAQ
“Customer safety is Oculus’ top priority,” an error message within the app states (via AndroidCentral).
“Oculus is removing support for all Note7 devices on the Oculus platform. Until further notice, Note7 devices will not be compatible with the Gear VR. For more information regarding the Note7 please contact Samsung directly.”
The fire risk posed by the Note 7 when carried in a pocket is one thing, but the prospect of a Note 7 combusting while sitting in close proximity to users’ eyes is another.
As yet there’s nothing to suggest one of the hundreds of documented incidents globally has involved a Gear VR.
While Oculus did issue a warning to Note 7 owners five weeks ago, it is surprising it has taken so long to get to this point.
We’re still at such a nascent state in terms of mainstream acceptance, an injury of this nature could have seriously harmed public willingness to embrace VR.
Think Tesla’s Autopilot since a driver was killed while using it.
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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.
