With the rumors of the Galaxy Note 7 sporting a USB Type-C port, this has led to speculation that Samsung will have to push out a new version of their Gear VR headset. Seeing as the current Gear VR is only compatible with some Samsung smartphones and uses a micro USB connector, it only makes sense that the Galaxy Note 7 would require a new one. Now reports of the new Gear VR are pointing to retailers selling it for around €90 (that’s around $98 USD). That’s about the same price as the current Gear VR.
The same report also notes that the New Gear VR – that’s supposedly the name for the new headset with model number SM-R323 – will support Samsung flagships including the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S7. In addition to the new Galaxy Note 7, of course. While specific retailers weren’t mentioned, it’s safe to assume that all the retailers that are currently selling the Gear VR will also sell the newer version.
It’s a good move by Samsung to make the new Gear VR support older flagships as well. Although it will be a bit interesting to see how they make it work, seeing as most of the compatible smartphones use a micro USB connector, and the Galaxy Note 7 sporting a USB Type-C connector – if the rumors and leaked photos are indeed true. This also means that Samsung will likely sell more of these new Gear VR headsets.
Currently, there are no other rumors about what improvements we may see with the new Gear VR. It’s safe to say that it will be improved over the current generation though. The Gear VR is made in partnership with Oculus, who is now owned by Facebook. This Gear VR is not going to be the standalone virtual reality headset that has been rumored lately, as that won’t be dependent on your smartphone – hence the “standalone” aspect of it. Samsung is expected to announce this new Gear VR at their Unpacked event on August 2nd, alongside the new Galaxy Note 7. So all the details should surface sooner rather than later.