Samsung announced that they are working on a wireless VR headset that will go against HTC Vive, PS VR and Oculus Rift.
South Korean electronics company, Samsung, released their version of a virtual reality headset in 2015 called Samsung Gear VR, which was made available for purchase in November 2015. The Samsung VR headset has since enjoyed lofty profits - with headsets stocks falling short for Amazon and Best Buy. With a price tag of $100, the Gear VR is definitely at the cheaper end of the virtual reality headset spectrum.
The price, however, comes with infinitely lower specifications than the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. Needless to say, the launch of the Rift and the Vive has put a dent in the Gear VR's profits. Fortunately, it seems like the Korean company is planning to catch up with its VR competitors. Just this week, Samsung announced their plans to release a VR headset that would rival the Vive and the Rift.
During the Samsung Developers Conference held in April 27, as reported by Variety, the company's head of R&D for software and services Injong Rhee revealed that the tech giant is planning to release a wireless VR device that could work without the use of Samsung phones.
"We are working on wireless and dedicated VR devices, not necessarily working with our mobile phone. VR is amazing, but the industry is still at its infancy," quipped by Rhee during the conference.
Rhee further explained during the event that the upcoming VR headset should be outfitted with hand and gesture tracking, similar or even better than what the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive are equipped with.
Unfortunately, according to Polygon, Rhee failed to detail a specific date on when the improved Samsung virtual reality headset would be commercially available. Rhee admitted that it may take a couple of years before the company releases a headset that could compete with its higher-end VR competition.
Nevertheless, the recent Samsung event confirmed the arrival of the Gear 360 camera. This camera would enable video makers to upload VR videos using Samsung's Milk VR service. The Samsung Gear 360 camera would be available for purchase this Friday at a selling price of $350.
Watch the first look of Samsung Gear 360 camera below: