VR using cheaper headset and remote? Still possible? - T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I'm interested in VR. Looks like the inexpensive headset from Samsung ($99) doesn't support the note 4 without physically modifying the unit for the note 4 to fit? I'm going by what I've read and seen on YouTube as I have not tried for myself.
While searching around, I've found several generic VR headset that come with a Bluetooth remote controller for about $20.
My question is for those familiar with VR. Seems to me like when you dock your note 4 in a Samsung VR headset via USB it put the phone in a VR mode where you can launch and control games, videos, etc...
So can you do the same with one of these generic headset that do not have a usb docking port?
Obviously I'm sure you could play VR youtube videos, but what about the occulus gallery? The VR specific games? Can you force the note 4 into whatever VR mode the Samsung branded headset initializes (by usb docking) without it being usb docked?
Hoping someone who has used VR on the note 4 will chime in with some advice.
Many thanks in advance.

I'm curious to this too.

I bought a Samsung branded gear VR, the consumer edition ($99 one) on Craigslist and cut it to fit my note 4. All the controls work by my rom isn't loading the oculus gear VR software, so I've been using it with google cardboard stuff. Youtube videos, cardboard games and stuff. It works fine as a fancy cardboard. Just thought I'd let that be known.

Related

Gear vr vs cheap vr

hello
is there any noticeable difference between a cheap vr (shinecon vr 2.0) and samsung gear vr ?
someone who tried both ?
i am not referring to google cardboard, obviously the gear vr is a lot better
szabyka95 said:
hello
is there any noticeable difference between a cheap vr (shinecon vr 2.0) and samsung gear vr ?
someone who tried both ?
i am not referring to google cardboard, obviously the gear vr is a lot better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
The main thing with Gear VR is that you have many features into the glasses.
You have buttons, a touch pad, volume control and many other things.
As for the "generic" ones you will need controller for the simplest things like to start a game.
Even though you can use apps from play store, the best thing is that there is a dedicated store for Gear VR users (Oculus)
If you got a compatible Samsung device, I would recommend, for sure, a Gear VR if you can get it.
You won't be disappointed.

Gear VR (2016) and the Galaxy S8

I have last year's version of the Gear VR and pre-ordered a Galaxy S8. In the UK the new VR is not being offered this time round (we get a Samsung wireless speaker) so I am hoping the 2016 VR will work with the S8. I have searched the web but all I find is reference to the new version being released this year.
Hoping someone might be able to confirm this.
.
apprentice said:
I have last year's version of the Gear VR and pre-ordered a Galaxy S8. In the UK the new VR is not being offered this time round (we get a Samsung wireless speaker) so I am hoping the 2016 VR will work with the S8. I have searched the web but all I find is reference to the new version being released this year.
Hoping someone might be able to confirm this.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it will work. The S8 has Type C USB port.
red6hu said:
I don't think it will work. The S8 has Type C USB port.
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Click to collapse
Ah but the VR comes with an interchangeable plug. I used it with My Note 7. I guess it's the size of the S8 and/or the software that's probably not going to work. I don't know.
.
apprentice said:
Ah but the VR comes with an interchangeable plug. I used it with My Note 7. I guess it's the size of the S8 and/or the software that's probably not going to work. I don't know.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know that.
The size of the S8 is smaller than the size of the Note7, so it won't be a problem.
According the below link Gear VR 2016 is compatible with the S8.
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2017/03/deal-save-50-samsung-gear-vr-2016-31417.html
red6hu said:
Good to know that.
The size of the S8 is smaller than the size of the Note7, so it won't be a problem.
According the below link Gear VR 2016 is compatible with the S8.
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2017/03/deal-save-50-samsung-gear-vr-2016-31417.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are a star! Thanks for the info
.
I've just called Samsung and they said that both S8 and S8+ will fit into the 2016 Gear VR.
I chatted with 2 different Samsung employers and one of them said it will work and the other one said it won't. Hopefully i will receive the S8 tomorrow and then i can try it myself... Any of you that have tried it?
I have the s8+ and it is too tall to fit into the gear vr even with the adjustments. Also I used micro usb to USB type C connector and it doesn't even boot up oculus. Don't think it's backwards compatible but I don't have a regular s8, so maybe it will work for that. I personally can't even get the software for gear vr to load from the headsets USB.
This does work as I have S8+ and 2016 Gear VR
SephAbdullah said:
I have the s8+ and it is too tall to fit into the gear vr even with the adjustments. Also I used micro usb to USB type C connector and it doesn't even boot up oculus. Don't think it's backwards compatible but I don't have a regular s8, so maybe it will work for that. I personally can't even get the software for gear vr to load from the headsets USB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the right adaptor that came with the VR? It's a small cube that replaces the entire existing plug, by sliding a small catch. Don't use a standard micro usb to usb C adaptor, that won't work and is probably the reason your phone doesn't fit in the frame.
I can confirm that my S8 does work in the 2016 VR and have been playing a couple of games successfully ... however I have experienced a complete system lock up twice now causing the phone to reboot. One occasion was just browsing my library so it wasn't down to processor load.
I believe it's more likely to be a software issue rather than the headset, so hopefully that can be fixed as I cannot justify purchasing a new VR every 12 months.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
S8+ and Gear VR sm-r323
Hi, I did a bit of research into the gear vr and decided to buy the gear vr 2016 aka sm-r323 2nd generation after reading it works with s8+ so I ordered the VR from amazon @ 45quid. When I received it the models compatible were s7, s7 edge, note 5, s6, s6 edge etc... on the box.
My phone arrived on Thursday and first thing after setting up my phone was seeing if it worked with the vr 2 aka sm-r323
And all was good it downloaded all software and ran updates and the gear vr store etc.. all looked up to date.
Downloaded a few games and roller coaster demos and the Star Wars clips all ran fine no crashes.
I'm just waiting on my motion controller to arrive now 2-3 weeks from mobile fun @ 50quid.
How ever the only thing I would say is it is a tight fit. When the phone is in with the USB c clip and in the "a" position if looking at the back of the phone it is about 1-2mm higher on the right side the end which self adjusts to size of phone.
This didn't have an effect on quality or let light in etc... I didn't notice or have any issues with it.
NickOonline said:
Hi, I did a bit of research into the gear vr and decided to buy the gear vr 2016 aka sm-r323 2nd generation after reading it works with s8+ so I ordered the VR from amazon @ 45quid. When I received it the models compatible were s7, s7 edge, note 5, s6, s6 edge etc... on the box.
My phone arrived on Thursday and first thing after setting up my phone was seeing if it worked with the vr 2 aka sm-r323
And all was good it downloaded all software and ran updates and the gear vr store etc.. all looked up to date.
Downloaded a few games and roller coaster demos and the Star Wars clips all ran fine no crashes.
I'm just waiting on my motion controller to arrive now 2-3 weeks from mobile fun @ 50quid.
How ever the only thing I would say is it is a tight fit. When the phone is in with the USB c clip and in the "a" position if looking at the back of the phone it is about 1-2mm higher on the right side the end which self adjusts to size of phone.
This didn't have an effect on quality or let light in etc... I didn't notice or have any issues with it.
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That's really helpful. Thanks! I was in two minds about selling my 2016 VR but based on what you said I'll keep it for the S8+
.
Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk
apprentice said:
Are you using the right adaptor that came with the VR? It's a small cube that replaces the entire existing plug, by sliding a small catch. Don't use a standard micro usb to usb C adaptor, that won't work and is probably the reason your phone doesn't fit in the frame.
I can confirm that my S8 does work in the 2016 VR and have been playing a couple of games successfully ... however I have experienced a complete system lock up twice now causing the phone to reboot. One occasion was just browsing my library so it wasn't down to processor load.
I believe it's more likely to be a software issue rather than the headset, so hopefully that can be fixed as I cannot justify purchasing a new VR every 12 months.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems there is a widely reported issue with the S8 freezing and rebooting generally that has nothing to do with the VR. So I am confident the 2016 VR will work fine eventually.
.
Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk
Amazon offer this year's Gear VR & controller in UK although it is rather expensive compared to the 2016 version & it frequently goes out of stock Samsung Gear VR Controller with Headphones Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XYDDQ5F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TmibzbG02CAD6
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
To all potential buyers of the older generation Gear VR: Don't get misled into those reviews saying that the previous gen USB-C Gear VR (from Note 7's generation) works with the S8+. It technically does work but there are some compromises.
I currently have both, and you can very clearly tell the difference between them. I mean very clearly.
The older Gear VR's alignment is slightly off to the left if used with S8+ (the center line is not exactly in the center). But it's OK with the S8 non-plus and Note 7 if you're wondering.
The newer model has clearly less chromatic aberration and much better sharpness off-center sharpness (I'm not talking about the extreme edges, but the sides of the view screen that you very frequently look at). It's either a lens issue with the older one or because of the above problem.
It can theoretically be fixed in software but I'm not sure if they will ever do it.
Syraxius said:
The older Gear VR's alignment is slightly off to the left if used with S8+ (the center line is not exactly in the center). But it's OK with the S8 non-plus.
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Click to collapse
The alignment issue affects the standard S8 as well. Some people don't notice because they can't or don't maximize the FOV, but if you do you will definitely see part of the image intended for one eye with the other.
For the record the compatibility issue isn't with the main Gear VR unit itself but with the Type-C connector specifically. You can make the 2016 model properly compatible with S8 devices simply by acquiring and using a Type-C connector from a 2017 model (they are cross-compatible).
Colonel_Izzi said:
The alignment issue affects the standard S8 as well. Some people don't notice because they can't or don't maximize the FOV, but if you do you will definitely see part of the image intended for one eye with the other.
For the record the compatibility issue isn't with the main Gear VR unit itself but with the Type-C connector specifically. You can make the 2016 model properly compatible with S8 devices simply by acquiring and using a Type-C connector from a 2017 model (they are cross-compatible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see how the USB Type-C connector from the latest version of the GearVR is all that different from the connector from last years model. I think the problem maybe due to the screen aspect ratio of the SGS8 series as it has a 18.5:9 rather than a 16:9, which is what is most commonly found on past android flagships.
DarkGuyver said:
I don't see how the USB Type-C connector from the latest version of the GearVR is all that different from the connector from last years model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See: https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/wik...5.2C_2016_and_2017_consumer_gear_vr_models.3F
cainn24 said:
See: https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/wik...5.2C_2016_and_2017_consumer_gear_vr_models.3F
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Click to collapse
I honestly wouldn't have notice the size difference if somebody hadn't point it out to me.
Colonel_Izzi said:
The alignment issue affects the standard S8 as well. Some people don't notice because they can't or don't maximize the FOV, but if you do you will definitely see part of the image intended for one eye with the other.
For the record the compatibility issue isn't with the main Gear VR unit itself but with the Type-C connector specifically. You can make the 2016 model properly compatible with S8 devices simply by acquiring and using a Type-C connector from a 2017 model (they are cross-compatible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, so better get a good BoboVR Z4 and activate Gear VR developer mode to get most of both worlds
The 2017 connector is not easy to find

Which VR?

Hi all,
Just got a Note 9 and was thinking about VR. Googling failed to reveal much about the current state of the market so I'm not sure which kit to buy. Seems like most of them have their own closed ecosystem? Anyone got a good link comparing the options? Thanks.
You would have to get the latest model SM-R324, which comes with the bundle Gear VR Controller. But you will have to contact Samsung for a special adapter in order to use your Note 9 in the Gear VR as the Note 9 is slightly thicker than the Note 8. Samsung will provide the adapter to you free of charge, once they have asked you a few questions.
iceepyon said:
You would have to get the latest model SM-R324, which comes with the bundle Gear VR Controller. But you will have to contact Samsung for a special adapter in order to use your Note 9 in the Gear VR as the Note 9 is slightly thicker than the Note 8. Samsung will provide the adapter to you free of charge, once they have asked you a few questions.
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Click to collapse
It's an N960F, didn't come with a controller. I was wondering if the Gear VR would be the best option here since it's kind of pricey and requires an adapter and all. Anyway I'm giving the DESTEK V4 VR a try, it states compatibility with the Note9, comes with a Dream controller and I can just send it back to Amazon if it doesn't work well enough.
randomb0y said:
It's an N960F, didn't come with a controller. I was wondering if the Gear VR would be the best option here since it's kind of pricey and requires an adapter and all. Anyway I'm giving the DESTEK V4 VR a try, it states compatibility with the Note9, comes with a Dream controller and I can just send it back to Amazon if it doesn't work well enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will probably work with Google Cardboard apps. But if you want the full Samsung Oculus Gear VR experience, you will need to get the Gear VR. I got mine with my work bonus last year. I only use it for 360 videos. I find VR gaming to be quite nauseating. But it is gaming on the GearVR is pretty fun.

Can we use Samsung VR with P30 PRo

Can we use Samsung VR 3 with Huawei P30 Pro???
lol no
You can try this method
While the Oculus Mobile SDK might eventually spread to other smartphones and accompanying virtual reality hardware, for now it remains relegated to Samsung’s Gear VR. In turn, the Gear VR is designed (both in terms of physical construction and software) to work with only one smartphone from Samsung’s stable of many: the Galaxy Note 4. Obviously, that leaves a large majority of the Android-toting population squarely stuck in their non-virtual realities. What if there was a way to get the Samsung Gear VR to work with other devices?
Inspired by a post by Pure Engineering on Android Forums, we decided to investigate. It turns out using an unsupported phone is not completely out of the realm of possibilities, but it comes with a few major caveats. The Oculus Mobile SDK is currently only optimized for the Galaxy Note 4, its processing suite, and embedded sensors. Using another device will not provide the true Gear VR experience, providing limited control and not taking advantage of the headsets more unique features and software-specific enhancements.
Fitting the phone
gear-vr-note-4
First and foremost, the Gear VR is built to connect via Micro USB to the Note 4 and hold it snugly in place with a clamping mechanism. In order to fit another device into the Gear VR, the phone must be generally the same size as Samsung’s phablet, which features a 5.7-inch display.
Any phone should also have a Micro USB connector centered on the bottom of the device. The USB port will strictly be a matter of fit, as the connection will serve no function due to the lack of software link between a device other than the Note 4 and the Gear VR. One benefit of connecting to the USB port is it will help hold a smaller smartphone in place. It is possible to finagle a device without the proper USB port placement into position (especially if it is smaller), but there may be the potential for damage to both your device and the Gear VR headset.
gear-vr-gs5
Some devices that we tested and more-or-less fit include:
Samsung Galaxy S5
Samsung Galaxy S4
Nexus 5
Motorola DROID Turbo
In general, if the phone is smaller than the Note 4 it should fit, so you might add devices like the HTC One M8, LG G3, and Moto X to the above list. Most of these devices being too small for the clasping mechanism to function properly, you might utilize a case or get some felt or other soft material for added padding. The Nexus 6 is a bit too large to fit properly, but the OnePlus One slots in without any additional padding.
gear-vr-droid-turbo
Once you fit your device, the Gear VR will be used more or less in the same fashion as Google Cardboard or a similar low-cost virtual reality substitute, utilizing the Gear VR’s stereoscopic lenses only.
Installing the right software
Since your unsupported phone will not take advantage of the Gear VR’s special Oculus software, you will need to install the proper applications to create 3D and VR content.
Google Cardboard eye holes
Google Cardboard is perhaps the most full featured of these options, providing stereoscopic viewing experiences to create three-dimensional environments that can be explored with the movement of your head. Google Cardboard includes a number of neat demos as well as the ability to view YouTube in a virtual theater and also import your own content.
Another option would be to use a stereoscopic video viewer like VR Player. VR Player does not include all the bells and whistles that we find in Google Cardboard, but it does offer 2D and 3D video playback tailored to viewing with a set of VR goggles like the Gear VR.
What works, what doesn’t
In the case of using a device other than the Galaxy Note 4, the Gear VR is being utilized for its mounting hardware and lenses alone. As long as your device has a screen similar in size to the Note 4’s 5.7-inch display, you will get pretty accurate 2D and 3D viewing of video, games, and photos. Since the lenses are designed to work most accurately with the Note 4’s display, smaller (and larger, if they will fit) devices may provide a less than perfect experience. The Gear VR’s manual focus wheel can also be used to physically move the display nearer or farther from the eyes to adjust clarity.
The head tracking and VR experience will largely be dependent on the software used. The Oculus technology and software utilized by the Note 4 and Gear VR will not be available, so touchscreen controls (or a Bluetooth controller) are required to navigate menus and perform other actions. The Gear VR’s touchpad, volume controls, and other buttons will not function. You will not have access to the Oculus Store and VR content available exclusively to the Galaxy Note 4 when paired with the Gear VR.
A neat trick, but should you buy the Gear VR for your unsupported smartphone?
It has been demonstrated that the Gear VR can indeed “work” with an Android smartphone other than the Galaxy Note 4, but after evaluating the result we can’t whole heartedly say it’s a very worthwhile experience. Unless you plan on upgrading to the Note 4 in the near future, at $200 the Gear VR is simply too expensive when compared to cheaper Google Cardboard holders that will produce an identical experience.
The real value is in the Oculus software included with the Note 4. It is one of the more refreshing, exciting, and immersive experiences to grace the Android ecosystem in quite some time. Again, that won’t be available on unsupported smartphones, but if you own a Note 4, by all means think about picking up the Gear VR (we’ll have a full review soon).
If you want to see what other early adopters are up to as they explore the ins and outs of the Gear VR Innovator Edition, be sure to head over to our Gear VR forum for all the latest, tips, tricks, hints, and revelations.
UPDATE: Here is Samsung’s official comment on using the Gear VR with other smartphones, from Nick DiCarlo, VP GM of Immersive Products and Virtual Reality.
Please Note: I didn't try in Samsung galaxy P30 but I think this should work.

Question about Gear VR v1

Hi,
One of the first gear vr's SM-R322 , the one without controller, which was compatible with S6 & S7(all variants) and Note 5. Will it still work with those phones? Asking because Samsung has discontinued this VR so had my doubts. Is oculus store also down? Even if one can view movies via it, then it will serve the purpose.
Thanks

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