If we look back in time, Samsung was really knee-deep into virtual reality. Over the past few years, Samsung has introduced several VR headset including the popular Oculus VR headset. Moreover, the company kept on releasing a new version of VR headsets till 2017. In line with this was the Gear 360 via which users were able to capture 360-degrees pictures and videos. However, after that, there was no advancement in this category from the Korean manufacturer.
And now recent reports, suggest that the company is not going to push its luck in the VR department. According to a notice on the Gear 360 app on Play Store, Samsung has now confirmed that the Gear 360 app will no longer receive new updates. This eventually means that newer Samsung devices will no longer support the Gear 360 app. App support will be discontinued from August 1, 2020.
“From August 1, 2020, app updates and compatibility support on new phones will be discontinued. Even after the update discontinuation date, you can continue to use the existing app. However, it may be difficult to provide support with regard to new bugs or third-party service interworking changes and new features and services through app update,” reads the official notice.
Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Fold to be the latest compatible devices with Gear 360 app
The company has clearly listed that the Gear 360 app supports devices running Android 6 to Android 10. Whereas, the compatible Samsung models that can still enjoy Gear 360 app features are Galaxy Fold, Galaxy S20/S10/S9/S8/S7/S6 series, Galaxy Note10/9/8/7/6/5 series, Galaxy A9 Pro/A8 (2018 and 2016), as well as A7 (2018). Moreover, the Gear 360 app does not support the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy S20 Lite.
If you are a fan of the Gear 360 app, Samsung has also mentioned some alternatives in the official notice. PC programs like Gear 360 ActionDirector and Gear 360 apps will be available to download on Windows or Mac until February 28, 2024. However, Samsung has mentioned that the update support will be discontinued.
“Please note that some features of the app are available in Gear 360 related PC programs (Gear 360 ActionDirector, Mac program name: Gear 360). PC programs related to Gear 360 can be downloaded until February 28, 2024, and you can continue to use PC programs that have already been downloaded after the above date, but please note that update support (bug fixes or third-party service interworking changes, provision of new features and services) will be discontinued.” Users will have the support of PC programs as all the features of the Gear 360 app is available in the PC software.