Is a fully updated s20+ still Gear VR compatible in 2023? - Samsung Gear VR

After years of dreaming, I can finally afford a used Galaxy s20+ 5G, specifically for Gear VR.
I'm new to Android, and a bit overwhelmed (in a good way) by all the info and mods available through the forums.
Seeing quite a few posts (all old) about Gear VR breaking makes me a little hesitant, but still excited about the possibilities.
Is anyone currently using a fully updated s20+ with Gear VR?
Should I avoid buying a unit with updates after a certain point?
edit: link to article successfully connecting s20 series to GearVR (in 2020).

Pretty sure I found the answer in this thread. Nothing past Android 11 OneUI 3.1.

Related

NEW Gear VR Unit released alongside Galaxy Note7

I'm sure everyone is aware that samsung released another version of the Gear VR alongside the release of the Note7, but my question is, does anyone know if there's any substantial differences between the new one and the previous one that came out last December?
It's compatible with the S6, S6 Edge, Edge+, Note5, S7, S7 Edge, and the Note 7, but what changes (if any) would make it worth upgrading from the previous headset to this one?
(I'm currently using the S7 Edge with the older Gear VR unit, so I'm just curious as to if there would be any benefit to getting this one)
https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/comments/4yxw45/gear_vr_trade_in/d6rejx4
I have the new one with my N7 and it works great but the side controls are very sensitive and can be a big PiTA.

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.
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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.
Click to expand...
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.

S21FE possibility pairing?

Samsung S21FE not pairing with GEAR2 Neo (no camera), phone running Android 12.
Is there a "hack", backdoor fix or anything I can do, to be able to get CALLS on the GEAR2 from the S21FE? If not, it is UNFAIR for customers with watches not to be able to do so...Samsung should have any sort of solution that will not just make these accessories obsolete in a handful of years. Samsung released the S21 series and just left all customers of watches & wearables "in the dark"! Crazy! Added to it, AT&T, and perhaps many other carriers/ dealers for Samsung, FAILED to notify those of us UPGRADING phones past 2021...Any help/ assistance would be appreciated. Thanks.

Question How to connect S21 ultra with Gear SM v700?

Hello everyone,
I have a Galaxy S21 ultra, I would like to connect it to my old Galaxy SM v700, but the Gear app prevents this due to post 2021 updates.
The watch works correctly with the Note 20 Ultra, in fact it is Samsung's choice to block it, there are no technical problems to prevent it.
How can I make it work again? Yes, it's an old watch and I have new ones, but I have an emotional value to that device and I'm not happy that Samsung prevents this by forcing me to change devices (which I already own anyway).
Thanks to anyone willing to help me.
Did you check this post? https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/pairing-galaxy-watch-to-rooted-s21-ultra-not-successful.4274165/

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