New Samsung Gear VR headset coming with dedicated controller

Samsung has announced a new version of its Gear VR headset, again designed by Oculus for mobile virtual reality apps and gaming.

Shown on stage at the company’s Mobile World Congress press conference, the new Gear VR comes with a dedicated, wireless controller. It features a one-handed, ergonomic design with a touchpad to restrict head movement and ensure a more comfortable experience.

The headset itself comes with two 42mm lenses with 101-degree field of view and “advanced distortion correction technology” which, Samsung says, “minimises motion sickness”.

Like before, it hosts an accelerometer, gryometer and proximity sensor. The rest of the functions are handled by a smartphone.

The headset is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge.

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“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 YH Lee, executive vice president of mobile communications at Samsung.

“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.”

Price and release details for the new Gear VR with controller are yet to be revealed.