Samsung Bring Motion Control To GearVR
It’s not all about phones at this year’s MWC, with Samsung announcing a new addition to their GearVR platform in the form of a motion-sensitive controller.
Certain to make interacting with VR environments using the mobile headset more intuitive, the controller features an ergonomic, curved design that delivers convenient one-hand control.
It even comes with a wrist strap to keep it securely attached to your arm.
“At Samsung, we are focused on setting and exceeding the standard for VR experiences, making them even more accessible and delivering the highest in quality,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.
“The Gear VR with Controller expands our VR ecosystem to help consumers get more engaged and immersed in VR content – whether it’s games or videos,” Lee said.
The move marks Samsung’s platform as the first mobile VR one to include more nuanced forms of user interaction that just tiring head-movements.
It’s an addition likely to cement Samsung’s lead in the space. According to analytics firm SuperData, Samsung accounted for 4.51 million of the 6.3 million VR devices shipped in 2016.
Indications suggest that going forward, all new GearVR units will now ship with the single controller unit bundled in.
It’s unknown if the peripheral will be available on its own for users who already own a headset, or at what price.