The innovative virtual reality headset, called the Samsung Gear VR, was released early this week through Samsung's official website and AT&T, to provide the optimum entertainment experience for Galaxy Note 4 users. Available since Dec. 8, the device costs only $199. Apps can be downloaded through the Oculus store.
The South Korean consumer and tech giant aims to provide a full 360-degree virtual reality experience in places convenient for users. Unlike other virtual reality tools, the Samsung Gear VR does not need the support of other gaming consoles or PCs, making it a stand-alone mobile system. Yet it needs the Galaxy Note 4 to mount its display.
The Samsung Gear VR comes with a 96-degree optical lens field of view, adjustable focal points to cater to farsighted or nearsighted users, multiple sensor features such as gyrometer, proximity, accelerator, and geomagnetic. It can also be controlled using physical user interface such as a touch pad, a dedicated volume key, as well as a back button.
However, several reports claim that prolonged use of the Gear VR can be hazardous to one's health.
The South Korean company issued an advice to device owners to limit their Gear VR use to not more than 30 minutes continuously, and should take a break for at least 10 minutes because it could lead to pain in areas like the skin, joints, and muscles. Also, the Gear VR is not advisable for kids under 13-years-old.
Samsung mentioned that users should discontinue using the virtual reality gadget if they have any of these symptoms:
"Seizures, loss of awareness, eye strain, eye or muscle twitching, involuntary movements, altered, blurred, or double vision or other visual abnormalities, dizziness, disorientation, impaired balance, impaired hand-eye coordination, excessive sweating, increased salivation, nausea, light-headedness, discomfort or pain in the head or eyes, drowsiness, fatigue, or any symptoms similar to motion sickness."
And if the user is tired or sleepy, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, diagnosed with emotional anxiety or stress, has headache, earache or migraines, or suffering from flu, then they should avoid using the Gear VR to lessen the chances of complications.
