Samsung’s Gear VR is already available through Best Buy in the United States but the company isn’t really pushing its virtual reality headset in a massive way. The marketing is minimal and though there are now two different versions (one for the Galaxy S6/S6 edge and one for Note 4 users), the company hasn’t really given any indication that an international launch will come anytime soon.
That will all change later this year, though. The Verge reports that Oculus VR’s John Carmack has revealed that Samsung and Oculus are gearing up (pardon the pun) for a big push that will see Oculus try to sell “as many units as possible” with the next version of the Gear VR.
The current Gear VR headset is really a developer unit for early adopters and those with a keen interest in VR. The Verge cites Carmack as saying the Gear VR will get the full Samsung marketing push later this year. While he initially refused to offer anything more specific, Carmack went on to point out that Samsung has two big releases per year.
The Galaxy Note refresh typically happens in the fall, usually in September, during IFA Berlin, when Samsung hosts its own Unpacked event right at the beginning of the conference. Last year’s IFA gave us the original Gear VR, so it stands to reason that the official launch would be scheduled for the same time this year.
With the Innovator Edition for S6 and S6 Edge users, Samsung made the headset 15% smaller, redesigned the straps that for increased comfort, and added a USB port and a new mechanical ventilation system.
[source]The Verge[/source]
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