The Samsung Gear VR debuted alongside the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 back in early August at the company’s Unpacked Event. The reason for a new Gear VR was due to the fact that the Galaxy Note 7 came with a USB Type-C port instead of a micro USB port which the previous Gear VR had. While many Galaxy Note 7 owners who pre-ordered the device received a free Gear VR headset, it might no longer work with your existing Galaxy Note 7. Oculus, the company which is behind the software that runs the Gear VR, has decided to disable its app from working with the Gear VR.
This comes after reports regarding new and purportedly “safe” Galaxy Note 7 replacement units catching fire emerged over the weekend. It was first reported by a Galaxy Note 7 owner on Reddit, and subsequently confirmed by Android Central. Oculus has pushed out an update to all Galaxy Note 7 users, rendering the app unusable. If the Gear VR is connected to a Galaxy Note 7, the following message will appear, “Customer safety is Oculus’ top priority. Oculus is removing support for all Note 7 devices on the Oculus platform. Until further notice, Note 7 devices will not be compatible with the Gear VR. For more information regarding the Note 7, please contact Samsung directly.”.
The move by the Facebook-owned company has annoyed quite a number of Galaxy Note 7 users, as they do not see the danger of using the Gear VR with a device which may potentially explode and leave facial injuries behind. Android Central also mentions that the new update which is being pushed out by Oculus, does not effect other devices in the “Galaxy” series, such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Samsung has already come out with a statement, urging all Galaxy Note 7 users, to power down their device, be it a recalled unit or a new replacement unit. It is best to bring your Galaxy Note 7 to your point of purchase and get a full refund, or exchange it for a different smartphone. All major carriers in the US are currently giving full refunds to concerned Galaxy Note 7 owners, regardless of the purchase date.