Gear VR: A few questions

[nj-morris]

I got a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ a month and a bit ago, and since then I've wanted to get a VR headset to accompany it. When I got the phone, I was fully aware of the consumer edition of the Gear VR, which was what I planned to get. While this thing isn't available in the UK through Samsung or Oculus yet, I've found it on Amazon, and although it's a bit more expensive than it would be if it was released through the original providers, at £95.99, it's still a killer deal. But before I get it, I want to know of a few things. Preferably somebody who owns a Gear VR could clear things up:

Is it comfortable? I've heard marketing saying that it's lighter and balanced across the head, but can somebody confirm this?
Is there any way to watch YouTube videos on it? Preferably natively. I'm a frequent YouTube visitor, and this would be nice to have.
Is there a way to watch films for free on it? I have Showbox on my phone, which has all the latest films for free. Just wondering if there was a VR equivalent.
Can a gaming controller be connected to this and a console at the same time? I've heard that PlayStation controllers work on this. But can I pair a PS4 controller to the phone without unpairing it from the PS4?
Are there many games that work without the need for a gamepad? Just in case the pairing doesn't work, or if I'm out of the house.
Is there anything else that I need to know? Just as a normal consumer, I just want to know if there is anything.

I would appreciate it if you answered as many of the questions as possible. I'll probably have more later on, but for now, I await your answers.

 

[Lloydbm41]

I got a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ a month and a bit ago, and since then I've wanted to get a VR headset to accompany it. When I got the phone, I was fully aware of the consumer edition of the Gear VR, which was what I planned to get. While this thing isn't available in the UK through Samsung or Oculus yet, I've found it on Amazon, and although it's a bit more expensive than it would be if it was released through the original providers, at £95.99, it's still a killer deal. But before I get it, I want to know of a few things. Preferably somebody who owns a Gear VR could clear things up:

Is it comfortable? I've heard marketing saying that it's lighter and balanced across the head, but can somebody confirm this?
Is there any way to watch YouTube videos on it? Preferably natively. I'm a frequent YouTube visitor, and this would be nice to have.
Is there a way to watch films for free on it? I have Showbox on my phone, which has all the latest films for free. Just wondering if there was a VR equivalent.
Can a gaming controller be connected to this and a console at the same time? I've heard that PlayStation controllers work on this. But can I pair a PS4 controller to the phone without unpairing it from the PS4?
Are there many games that work without the need for a gamepad? Just in case the pairing doesn't work, or if I'm out of the house.
Is there anything else that I need to know? Just as a normal consumer, I just want to know if there is anything.

I would appreciate it if you answered as many of the questions as possible. I'll probably have more later on, but for now, I await your answers.

I'm planning to get this as well. I imagine that 3D videos should work quite well since they use the same split screen view.
I also hope that my Moga Power Pro controller works with games on the headset. Games like Unkilled, Dead Trigger 2, and other first person shooter/driving games would be kickas5 on something like this!

 

[macjunk(ie)]

I got one. I will answer the ones I have tried out so far...

Is it comfortable?
Yes. It is light. One thing though is you will have to pry out your phone from its case. The phones are a snug fit in the VR set.

Is there a way to watch films for free on it?
I have not tried this yet. But from what I see, it looks like it is possible to upload your movie onto the phone and then watch it via the Occulus movie app.

Can a gaming controller be connected to this and a console at the same time?
I did not buy a gaming controller but during the VR setup, it asks you whether you want to pair a controller.

Are there many games that work without the need for a gamepad?
I was trying out Temple Run. Does not need a controller but boy it gave me motion sickness I think that speaks positively about the VR set.

Is there anything else that I need to know?
-Possible motion sickness.
-Not all games in the Occulus library have trials and some of then are priced above average. 5-10$.
-The phone (Note 5) does get very warm after use. I used mine continuously for 20 minutes and the Note 5 was hot to touch
-Suggest you use this in a cool environment. The lens tend to fog up otherwise
-You have to use it with a headset for a good experience
-I suggest you try this out for extended periods of time before you decide to buy. Just make sure the experience is good enough for you to spend 100$

 

[nj-morris]

Sorry for not replying, but just giving a few updates.
So the Gear VR is finally available in the Samsung UK store. It's £80, which is pretty good, and on Amazon it said that it was going to be dispatched within 1-3 months, so I hope that it will be quicker with Samsung. Still haven't quite made up my mind yet.

I got one. I will answer the ones I have tried out so far...

Is it comfortable?
Yes. It is light. One thing though is you will have to pry out your phone from its case. The phones are a snug fit in the VR set.

Is there a way to watch films for free on it?
I have not tried this yet. But from what I see, it looks like it is possible to upload your movie onto the phone and then watch it via the Occulus movie app.

Can a gaming controller be connected to this and a console at the same time?
I did not buy a gaming controller but during the VR setup, it asks you whether you want to pair a controller.

Are there many games that work without the need for a gamepad?
I was trying out Temple Run. Does not need a controller but boy it gave me motion sickness I think that speaks positively about the VR set.

Is there anything else that I need to know?
-Possible motion sickness.
-Not all games in the Occulus library have trials and some of then are priced above average. 5-10$.
-The phone (Note 5) does get very warm after use. I used mine continuously for 20 minutes and the Note 5 was hot to touch
-Suggest you use this in a cool environment. The lens tend to fog up otherwise
-You have to use it with a headset for a good experience
-I suggest you try this out for extended periods of time before you decide to buy. Just make sure the experience is good enough for you to spend 100$

Thanks for the reply. I'm mostly leaning towards it, but I'm not sure where I can try one of these things. Just another question, how was the battery in terms of SOT? I've heard that VR kills the battery, but I'm curious about specifics.

 

[samcraig]

I got one. I have the Note 5.

I have to say - for $99 - you're really going to start "living" in the future. While not perfect - the experience is pretty terrific. And now Samsung released a browser - so it opens up the possibility to watch a lot more content.

But getting totally immersed in either 2D or 3D scuba diving with the Gear VR - already worth the price for me.

I will say that I can only use it for 30-60 minutes at a time. My eyes can't take much more.

 

[epicrayban]

I'm waiting for more apps to support it, but I'm really intrigued. Yay for the future.

 

[spinedoc77]

Did they change it so you can connect a power cable to the phone?

 

[Sevanw]

Did they change it so you can connect a power cable to the phone?

Yes.
"Samsung has added a Micro USB port so users can charge a phone while VRing... "

 

[jamesrick80]

The gear vr is amazing and I get around 5 hours of usage before my s6 edge plus needs a charge. If it's on heavy brightness, you may get around 3 hours. This device has surely made phones fun again. YouTube works in the new browser and there are plenty of games and movies and of course Netflix support. You will not get showbox to work at all.

 

[Lloydbm41]

Okay, got my Gear VR and used it with my Edge+. You CAN NOT use the Gear VR and the Edge+ with a case on the Edge+. I have to take my Spigen case off everytime I use the Gear VR.

The 2 games called Gunjack and Anshar War 2 are both pretty friggin amazing to play (with or without a controller)! Gunjack is a game that is similar to what Oculus Rift will have from the EVE universe. It is a stationary turret game and is $5. Anshar War 2 is $15, but it is completely immersive and probably the best game out for VR. It is best played with a controller like the Moga Power Pro.

I also like that you can watch any movie you have on your phone as if you are sitting in a movie theater (or on a moon base or in a void or in an Ant hill, you get the idea). Put some BT headphones on and watch your movies immersed in bed.

I love this thing.

 

[nj-morris]

Thanks for replying everybody. I've decided that I'm going to get one, so I ordered it. Looking forward to trying all sorts of stuff on it and spending too much money on games

 

[Lloydbm41]

Thanks for replying everybody. I've decided that I'm going to get one, so I ordered it. Looking forward to trying all sorts of stuff on it and spending too much money on games

For $99, you can't really go wrong. Hell, I spend nearly half of that just going to a movie with my wife here in California.

Gunjack is a must for your first download!

 

[nj-morris]

For $99, you can't really go wrong. Hell, I spend nearly half of that just going to a movie with my wife here in California.

Gunjack is a must for your first download!

Thanks. I'll make sure to get it. With that and a few other games I'm probably going to break the bank.
Just wondering though, what's your gamepad situation? I have a PlayStation 4 in the household, and I'm told that the DualShock works with the Gear VR, but I don't want to disconnect it from the PlayStation. Do you know if there's a way to do this?

 

[Lloydbm41]

Thanks. I'll make sure to get it. With that and a few other games I'm probably going to break the bank.
Just wondering though, what's your gamepad situation? I have a PlayStation 4 in the household, and I'm told that the DualShock works with the Gear VR, but I don't want to disconnect it from the PlayStation. Do you know if there's a way to do this?

No idea. Didn't even know the PS controller worked with Android. I have only used the Moga Power Pro controller.

 

[nj-morris]

No idea. Didn't even know the PS controller worked with Android. I have only used the Moga Power Pro controller.

Ok, thanks anyway. Just a few more questions that I haven't had answered yet, if you don't mind. First, is there a way to watch YouTube videos in VR? And also, what games have you got which don't require a gamepad? I'm aware of Temple Run and Smash Hit (I'm assuming that the latter doesn't require it), but what others?

 

[Lloydbm41]

Ok, thanks anyway. Just a few more questions that I haven't had answered yet, if you don't mind. First, is there a way to watch YouTube videos in VR? And also, what games have you got which don't require a gamepad? I'm aware of Temple Run and Smash Hit (I'm assuming that the latter doesn't require it), but what others?

Yes, you can watch YouTube videos, but you'll have to watch them through Samsung's VR internet browser. Only way right now. The interface is okay, as it uses Google Voice input to search through vids.

Gamewise, you have to spend money. More than you normally would on a phone. I spent $15 on Anshar War 2 (space combat game that uses your head movement to fly and move your ship while the game controller is used for speed, brakes, missiles and cannons). Anshar War 2 is the most polished game right now.
Gunjack is $5 and you only need the Gear VR to play. You are in a spaceship turret (rotates in any direction you look) and you use the gamepad on the Gear VR to shoot and reload. Basically tap to shoot and swipe to reload.
Only 2 games I have played so far that were worth the money.

 

[nj-morris]

Yes, you can watch YouTube videos, but you'll have to watch them through Samsung's VR internet browser. Only way right now. The interface is okay, as it uses Google Voice input to search through vids.

Gamewise, you have to spend money. More than you normally would on a phone. I spent $15 on Anshar War 2 (space combat game that uses your head movement to fly and move your ship while the game controller is used for speed, brakes, missiles and cannons). Anshar War 2 is the most polished game right now.
Gunjack is $5 and you only need the Gear VR to play. You are in a spaceship turret (rotates in any direction you look) and you use the gamepad on the Gear VR to shoot and reload. Basically tap to shoot and swipe to reload.
Only 2 games I have played so far that were worth the money.

Well, this is supposed to be the future of gaming, so compared to the £40 odd that you have to spend on a console game these days, it's a decent deal. But just out of interest, are any of the games free, or at least phone game cheap?
I'm probably going to order a cheap gamepad off Amazon anyway so the gamepad thing shouldn't be an issue.

 

[nj-morris]

So, I received my Gear VR a few days ago, and I'd just like to post a few first impressions.
First, this thing is awesome. I've used one before and I've been ant impacting this, so I wasn't too wowed, but I appreciated it nevertheless. I still find it odd and amazing how such simple technology can have this much of an impact. I tried out Temple Run and Smash Hit, as they were free on the Oculus Store. Temple Run made me super dizzy and Smash Hit was much harder than the iPad version, but both of them were amazing, and they are both games that seem to be made for VR.
And the pixels. One year ago I was stupefied that Samsung would pack such an incredible and unnecessary pixel density onto a phone, and now here I am complaining about how pixelated it is. Even with a resolution this high, I can see every single sub-pixel. It's not so bad if you turn the brightness down though. I totally get it though, GPUs aren't efficient enough yet, and it's not enough of a justification to increase the resolution just for VR, which not enough people are using yet. But it proves that VR is still in it's prime. In a few years we'll probably have 8K resolutions rendering everything in QHD or, where available, 4K while in phone mode, and then plug it into a headset which provides extra GPU power and battery space, and it will switch to full resolution. Just an idea.
Apart from that it's fine. I had problems at the start with my eyes hurting, having a magnified phone screen 10cm from my face and all, but that can also be solved by turning the brightness down. I still have yet to play many of the games out there, and I still haven't worked out how to connect the gamepad that I bought, so it should get better from here.

 

[Lloydbm41]

So, I received my Gear VR a few days ago, and I'd just like to post a few first impressions.
First, this thing is awesome. I've used one before and I've been ant impacting this, so I wasn't too wowed, but I appreciated it nevertheless. I still find it odd and amazing how such simple technology can have this much of an impact. I tried out Temple Run and Smash Hit, as they were free on the Oculus Store. Temple Run made me super dizzy and Smash Hit was much harder than the iPad version, but both of them were amazing, and they are both games that seem to be made for VR.
And the pixels. One year ago I was stupefied that Samsung would pack such an incredible and unnecessary pixel density onto a phone, and now here I am complaining about how pixelated it is. Even with a resolution this high, I can see every single sub-pixel. It's not so bad if you turn the brightness down though. I totally get it though, GPUs aren't efficient enough yet, and it's not enough of a justification to increase the resolution just for VR, which not enough people are using yet. But it proves that VR is still in it's prime. In a few years we'll probably have 8K resolutions rendering everything in QHD or, where available, 4K while in phone mode, and then plug it into a headset which provides extra GPU power and battery space, and it will switch to full resolution. Just an idea.
Apart from that it's fine. I had problems at the start with my eyes hurting, having a magnified phone screen 10cm from my face and all, but that can also be solved by turning the brightness down. I still have yet to play many of the games out there, and I still haven't worked out how to connect the gamepad that I bought, so it should get better from here.

First game you buy needs to be Gunjack! No controller needed, but it really shows what future games can be like. It is also part of the EVE universe, which the Oculus Rift is showcasing as one of the first games (although the Oculus version is fully immersive first person flying, unlike Gunjack which is you in a stationary turret.) But supposedly, the Oculus version will expand to the Gear VR and that should really be amazing. FPS meets flight sim meets online multiplayer combat.

 

[nj-morris]

First game you buy needs to be Gunjack! No controller needed, but it really shows what future games can be like. It is also part of the EVE universe, which the Oculus Rift is showcasing as one of the first games (although the Oculus version is fully immersive first person flying, unlike Gunjack which is you in a stationary turret.) But supposedly, the Oculus version will expand to the Gear VR and that should really be amazing. FPS meets flight sim meets online multiplayer combat.

Thanks, I saw your recommendation earlier, and I'm going to get it as soon as I can. It sounds really good.

EDIT: Also, I saw that you said that it was $5 earlier, but it seems since then they've raised it to $10. Still worth it?

 

[Lloydbm41]

Thanks, I saw your recommendation earlier, and I'm going to get it as soon as I can. It sounds really good.

EDIT: Also, I saw that you said that it was $5 earlier, but it seems since then they've raised it to $10. Still worth it?

Hmmmmm, $10 for a game that is essentially sitting in a turret and shooting down one starship after another, then rinse and repeat? Probably not. But it is a graphically immersive treat. Once Oculus releases the EVE full game on Oculus Rift and makes that available on the Gear VR, then it will be worth it!

For that kind of money, might as well just buy a real starship shooting game. Anshar Wars 2. This is as immersive as you can get, but you need to sit in a swivel chair and you need to have a controller. This is a 3rd person view of your starship and where you look is where you go. Laser and missles, reloading is done via the controller. If you run into a ship, asteroid or whatever you die. The realism is pretty darn good.

 

[spinedoc77]

So you guys mentioning PS controllers, do you still have to root to use one of these on the Note 5? I have a bunch of PS3 controllers sitting around and would love to use one of them for this.

Edit: Ok so I did some researching. Looks like PS3 controllers need root, having an AT&T Note 5 that means I'm out of luck. The PS4 controller looks like it's hit or miss, with more misses. I don't know if I feel great about spending $80 for Samsungs controller.

What are you guys using for a controller? In particular the VR games.

 

[Lloydbm41]

So you guys mentioning PS controllers, do you still have to root to use one of these on the Note 5? I have a bunch of PS3 controllers sitting around and would love to use one of them for this.

Edit: Ok so I did some researching. Looks like PS3 controllers need root, having an AT&T Note 5 that means I'm out of luck. The PS4 controller looks like it's hit or miss, with more misses. I don't know if I feel great about spending $80 for Samsungs controller.

What are you guys using for a controller? In particular the VR games.

Get the Moga Power Pro. (Basically an XBox style controller with a rechargable battery via standard !micro usb connector.) $40 on Amazon. It is what I use for all my Android and Gear VR gaming. They run out of stock quick, and looks like it is out again.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gaming...qid=1451428352&sr=8-5&keywords=Moga+power+pro

 

[spinedoc77]

Get the Moga Power Pro. (Basically an XBox style controller with a rechargable battery via standard !micro usb connector.) $40 on Amazon. It is what I use for all my Android and Gear VR gaming. They run out of stock quick, and looks like it is out again.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gaming...qid=1451428352&sr=8-5&keywords=Moga+power+pro

Cool thanks!

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I got one.

I have a Samsung Smart TV that can cast whatever is on the screen to my Galaxy S6 Edge with unnoticeable lag.

Would I be able to see that while using it with the Gear VR? Would love to play some Xbox One games with the Gear VR on, does the UI allow what I'm describing?