Samsung Gear VR gets its own hands-free web browser
In an effort to boost the appeal of the Samsung Gear VR as an immersive media consumption device (VR or not), Samsung is launching a new optimized web browser for the headset. Samsung calls it “Internet for Gear VR” and it allows Gear VR owners to, well, browse the web just like they would on their smartphone. Okay, maybe not just like it. The Gear VR has a few tricks up its sleeve.
The web browser supports 360-degree and 3D video streaming, as well as HTML 5 video, making it easy find even more content around the web to stream into your face. And because you can do it all without even taking the headset off, you never have to leave your new virtual world.
Input is done either through voice recognition or an on-screen keyboard, and users can select menus and other UI elements using a feature Samsung calls “Gaze Mode” by fixing their eyes on something for a few seconds. Crazy.
The beta version of the app will soon be available for download from the Oculus Store starting tomorrow, December 2nd. Of course, the only devices supported are those currently compatible with the Gear VR and include the Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.
[Samsung]