A virtual reality check

Samsung Gear VR

Remember the View-Master? That contraption like oversized goggles you used to put over your head that allows you to view stereoscopic images and make you look like some sort of droid? Take a good, long look at the Samsung Galaxy Gear VR - the latest gizmo from the South Korean tech giant will immerse you into a whole new world and change the way you view virtual reality.
The Oculus-powered Galaxy Gear VR will only work with a Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge. It works by slapping in one of the mobiles up front via the micro-USB connection. Think of it as placing the phone directly in front of your eyes; the Gear VR then splits the screen into two, and the special lenses you peer through create the 3D effect. Connecting a phone will prompt you to download the required Oculus app.
There's a little dot in the screen that serves as the main focal point, akin to a mouse cursor. To control it, you have two options: the touchpad and back button on the right side of the device, or a sold-separately Android controller; I can't comment too much on the latter because I haven't tried one, but it sure seems easier and more fun to use - just think of your latest-generation game console with the screen stretched all over your eyes.
There's also a volume rocker on the right side and a focus-adjustment wheel on top. A tutorial is also available. The user interface is fairly simple - understandable since this is a rather new concept. There's an app store and library, where all your stuff is stored.
Each app presents a 360-degree view; download Temple Run VR, try looking back and you'll start freaking out when you see one of those monsters hot on your heels. A word to the wise though: there was one particular game that left me feeling slightly nauseous after playing it. Samsung cautions users about this type of situation as well.
The app library isn't that expansive yet, and most of the apps - at least, the full versions - are paid-for. The phone - a Galaxy S6 Edge, in my case - really heated up after 30 minutes' play and the battery drained 25 per cent in that time. The Gear VR doesn't have its own power supply.
AND SO.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear VR is a fair start in pushing the VR space into the limelight. Lot of things to fix, including polishing already-decent graphics and widening its app library. But that won't be a problem; everyone loves new stuff and it shouldn't be long before industry players start pitching to capitalise on its potential - that's reality.
THE LOWDOWN
Optical lens 96° field of view
Sensors Accelerator, gyrometer, geomagnetic, proximity
Motion-to-photon latency <20ms
Focal adjustment Covers near-/far-sighted eyes
Compatibility Galaxy Note 4, S6, S6 Edge
Price Dh799
Pros Competent graphics, nice apps, lightweight
Cons Must own specific phone(s) to use it; small app library; unsuitable, if prone to dizziness
Editor's rating 8/10