Database Info

Self-developed Nexus 4 Dock

Update:
Crowd funding campaign is online:
www.startnext.de/en/andock
Hello everyone,
Today I would like to ask you about your opinion on my self-developed Nexus 4 Dock. First, I wanted to develop the station just for me, because I couldn’t find a Nexus 4 docking station that really fits my needs. Now I’m thinking about starting my own crowd funding campaign with this station. I already got some positive feedback on the German website android-hilfe.de.
The features of my docking station are:
- SlimPort included
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
- Display in widescreen format unlike the usual docking stations
- NFC-Tag
- cube shape design
- Docking Station is weighted to provide more stability
I also created a website for this project: andock.com
What do you think? Would you be interested in such a station? Thank you for your opinion.
So here are some pictures:

1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.

snapper.fishes said:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.

Noc2 said:
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I like it!

Does it charge the phone fast enough to gain a charge when outputting it to a TV? How about with Bluetooth on also for controllers and the like?
I agree that it would be nice to have it adjustable to fit other phones (and cases/bumpers). This might be the only phone with a Slimport, but who's to say other phones won't have them soon?
I agree the whole thing does look a little old school, but as long as its functional.
I would also prefer no LED light, but I might in the minority. I hate how everything in my home has a glow to it LOL.
Ultimately the biggest determining factor for me in buying something like this would be price.

Noc2 said:
Hello everyone,
<snip>
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
<snip>
So here are some pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an N4 owner I'm excited to see any development of nice quality support h/w.
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.

mark398 said:
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can switch the fan on and off. Besides I got good results in tests with the fan on. If you run a lot of benchmarks in a row (especially while the Nexus 4 is charging and connected to a TV via bluetooth), you’ll experience a decrease of the benchmark score. The fan definitely reduces this issue. I will post some results in the next days.
I want to make the price as low as possible without any quality restrictions. It will be under 100 Euro.

Great to see people developing unique accessories for the Nexus 4, but for me this dock is just awkward.

The power switch should be replaced with something more modern, and the design should maybe better match the N4. Maybe a glossy black plastic and an led mounted under a more transparent plastic like the led on the N4 is mounted under the glass. Over all, I love the idea and would probably buy it even in its current state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app

I'd love it as a kit to put together myself and keep the cost down... already as an option.
100euros would be a bit steep imo. I can already get a dock for cheap.
Your slot should come with a way to accommodate cases too... atleast the bumper
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Your dock is interesting, but, unless you're a developer that needs a cable connection (in my opinion) it makes a lot more sense just to buy an Orb and be done with it. File transfers can be done with AirDroid (for example). Wireless charging on the Orb is just as fast as trough cable (I have one) and it doesn't have the hassle of connecting/disconnecting the cable itself.
For someone that really wants the cable connection, it's useful. The design, if you want to really produce it, I'd recommend you to make it in a way that you can plug-in most android phones with the usb dock on the bottom. Make it simpler, why leds, buttons and fan (sorry, but I really don't think you need a fan in it)? Otherwise, good work.

Hi, I don't own a nexus 4 but I'm intrigued with ur project. To me, the concept is nice: something minimalistic, able to cool down the phone and provide connectivity to another device (or computer). It'd be a good idea if u can make the cube have a glossy texture, like white or black because it will still look nice even if u don't want to smooth out the edges. Also, it would be nice if it can accommodate phones that have a screen size of 5" or more (perhaps a slightly bigger cube). Also, I think led is fine but the switch for the fan should be smaller, maybe something rounded like the buttons of the iPhone 5 or a power button of any android phone and can also disguise with the cube's color. I believe something like that would look really nice on any desk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Thank you for your feedback. I take it seriously.
Here is the promised article about the fan of my docking station:
http://www.andock.com/2013/04/the-temperature-of-google-nexus-4-with.html

The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.

I'm intrigued. If this went to market I would be very tempted to buy. Could set it on my desk, hook up sixaxis controller and jam out a few games easily.
Sent from one device or another.

this is awesome man, i hope you can built more and can sell to us or me

Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.

irishrally said:
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s SLS.
I really liked it because of the structure of the material. It’s not like the usual plastic or FDM.

threeclaws said:
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

pnnorth said:
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's beta/developer hardware right now, the retail stuff will have to be better (they are planning on selling at BB/Amazon.) The software on the other hand...I already went through that once with the boxee box (solid hardware + crap software.)

Will Galaxy Gear VR revolutionize the Mobile Industry?

Do you feel that Gear VR (Virtual Reality) will revolutionize the mobile industry in User's Viewing Experience and take a step further to Reality?
Will you be interested to buy one to experience this? Post your Comments & Feedback.
Moderators : If you feel, it is appropriate to move this Post to General Discussion Forum, Please do so.

I wouldn't use the term "revolutionary", as this comes way after the Oculus, Morpheus and even Cardboard. But I will say I am highly interested and welcome the idea with open arms. I have always joked that the Google Cardboard (which I own, and am very happy with my tiny experience) is the Poor Man's Oculus Rift. Now I feel like the Gear VR is the Rich Man's Google Cardboard, lol. The only thing that is pissing me off, is that I would take the Galaxy Note Edge over the Note 4, and it seems like Gear VR will work exclusively ONLY on the Note 4...not the edge...
I'm really hoping they change their mind (They would gain a lot more to allow Gear VR to work with the likes of the Note 3, Galaxy S4, S5, and S6)

I don't think there is any device currently using their cell phones as a source to experience VR. Is there any such models doing it so? If Yes, I stand corrected.

xda rocks said:
I don't think there is any device currently using their cell phones as a source to experience VR. Is there any such models doing it so? If Yes, I stand corrected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the 20$ Google Cardboard...? lol

It'll get it on its way maybe

Surly the price of the head gear would be fairly low, since all the tech is in the phone.... i mean the device is all passive right o_0?

The Gear VR appears powered BY the Note 4(touchpad and back button), and the VR does not appear to have a charging/pass-through port. Would have been nice to watch a movie, play games, etc while lying in bed, and not have to worry about the phone going dead. I hope something is done to remedy this.

it's an interesting concept. unfortunately, I think it's more gimmickie than anything else. If it's cheap, it may be an interesting tinker toy with the phone.
Think big issue, it'll have a limited install base and thus limited third party developer support.

It's just a gimmick and I still fail to see the benefits of all that VR glasses ? I mean I've got headaches from just putting that 3d Glasses a few years ago and now a full helmet ummm nope.

This site says $199 but I dont know if this site is reputable or where they got the price
http://venturebeat.com/2014/09/05/s...r-headset-will-cost-199-phablet-not-included/

I wonder how would 3D movies look on it. The resolution is excellent for this but I wonder how distorted the image will be? Will it look like a cinema screen?
EDIT: From this article - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ions-Samsung-Gear-VR/articleshow/41699899.cms - it seems to be disapointing: "However, there is a problem, and a major one at that. Gear VR shows very pixilated videos, even though the Note 4's screen has QHD resolution. The likely reason is that Gear VR's lenses focus on only a small portion of the screen to play the video and then magnify it up this portion only, thus resulting in a pixilated display."

The Gear VR isn't fully passive, looks to have extra Accelerator, Gyrometer, Magnetic and Proximity sensors for movement detection. I have an Oculus DK2 and I'm excited to try this device. As far as watching 3D video, that is not really what "VR" headsets are designed for. You would need some different lenses and a much higher resolution screen. Think about the experience like sticking your head in a dome fish bowl. To display flat video you would only be using part of the screen and the view angle isn't ideal. Now if you have video shot with a dome cam, that is cool, you can look all around the world as the video plays. Or if the 3D video is shot in a way that compensates for the edges of the frame being out of view. The Oculus DK2 uses a stock Note 3 screen and I would image the retail version of the Oculus will use the Note 4's screen from a production and cost perspective.
When playing a game or demo in a full 3D environment the resolution issue starts to disappear, your 96 (or 120 on the rift) degree field of view effectively turns into a 360 degree field of view. A good example of this is stare directly as some text on your monitor, don't move your eyes and tell me how much of the rest of the monitor is in focus? It will be very little if your eyes stay perfectly still.
I think the deciding factor for this device to succeed is the motion tracking and then secondly content. If the motion tracking is poor, everyone will just puke and throw this in the trash.

I think Virtual Reality will be great on the Galaxy Gear VR, but one thing that I feel a lot of people are overlooking and what I'm concerned about is the cancer/brain damage users would eventually get years down the road from extended use.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cellphones
http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/brain-tumors-linked-to-cell-phones-study-suggests/
http://www.thewire.com/national/201...uld-actually-cause-brain-cancer-maybe/370818/
I know it's been a heated debate that extended use of cellphones can cause cancer, but think how much more we are prone to it by not only using our future Galaxy Note 4's for phone conversations, but also for the Galaxy Gear VR(just a few inches from our face). Anyone consider this ?
Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for the Galaxy Gear VR, but since I also have a Playstation 4, I was thinking of just getting Sony's Virtual Reality Unit when it becomes available since the presence of a cellphone and its electromagnetic waves would be absent. Thoughts ?

xda rocks said:
I don't think there is any device currently using their cell phones as a source to experience VR. Is there any such models doing it so? If Yes, I stand corrected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's an alternative to the gear vr and google cardboard that lands around the middle of the two in quality/functionality, but really can't be beat for the price. ...btw, the site is legit, I purchase stuff from them frequently.

yes
yes ı do

iZack187 said:
I wouldn't use the term "revolutionary", as this comes way after the Oculus, Morpheus and even Cardboard. But I will say I am highly interested and welcome the idea with open arms. I have always joked that the Google Cardboard (which I own, and am very happy with my tiny experience) is the Poor Man's Oculus Rift. Now I feel like the Gear VR is the Rich Man's Google Cardboard, lol. The only thing that is pissing me off, is that I would take the Galaxy Note Edge over the Note 4, and it seems like Gear VR will work exclusively ONLY on the Note 4...not the edge...
I'm really hoping they change their mind (They would gain a lot more to allow Gear VR to work with the likes of the Note 3, Galaxy S4, S5, and S6)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that you are getting why it is only being released on the Note 4. The Oculus technology basically relies on turning pixels on and off instantaneously. If you turn right for instance the entire screen much be redrawn to a new image, continuously. So you need a screen especially, and a processor, which can handle that kind of requirement. The Note 4's screen is the best on the market to do that. You just wouldn't have the same experience at all with the S5 (not even getting into how it is smaller), or even the iphone6. The edge wouldn't work I am guessing because of the bottom (or top) of your screen bending and looking just plain odd when used in a screen for one of these.
Until other devices come up to snuff on the specs that matter to using an Oculus type device, the experience would not be the same. You would have an experience for sure, you have one with the $20 cardboard version. But it will not be the same.

evolone said:
Here's an alternative to the gear vr and google cardboard that lands around the middle of the two in quality/functionality, but really can't be beat for the price. ...btw, the site is legit, I purchase stuff from them frequently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can also vouch for FastTech. I have bought all of my eCig supplies from them for a couple years.

I don't believe the phone is close enough to your face to have ANY impact even if you had a mobile connection on all the time while in VR.

Magnesus said:
I don't believe the phone is close enough to your face to have ANY impact even if you had a mobile connection on all the time while in VR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope that's the case. I guess I may be paranoid due to the cellphone waves coming from it since I'm sure I'd be wearing the Galaxy Gear VR for at least a good 30 minutes each session.

Just had to bump this thread. :good:

Samsung Gear VR

Is anyone planning on getting the VR headset?
If so, what would your intended use-cases be for it?
For those wanting it, have you experienced / followed the Oculus Rift project?

teedge77 said:
Is anyone planning on getting the VR headset?
If so, what would your intended use-cases be for it?
For those wanting it, have you experienced / followed the Oculus Rift project?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am definitely interested. No news on when it's to be launched yet sadly.

Yes plan on getting it, yes, work has an oculus and I have no clue what it's use will be.

When I bought my phone the Samsung rep was there.
He told me it will be out soon for the holiday season and it is going to run around 189.99

Yeah i have tried Oculus Rift and found the experience breath taking It is much more emmersive than say 3D glasses ect.
I´ll be buying it once it comes out and i will be using it mainly for watching movies in bed ect.
I think it is a brilliant idea and will turn out to be a must have for note 4 owners.

Yes. I will buy it for sure

Gear vr overheating?
I've read some rumors that the Samsung gear vr having overheating problem's and that you only can use the device for about 25 minutes, also, I want to know if I can look in a 360° viewing. Anybody who have tested this device?

3D movies! ....All kinds.

magnumhex said:
I've read some rumors that the Samsung gear vr having overheating problem's and that you only can use the device for about 25 minutes, also, I want to know if I can look in a 360° viewing. Anybody who have tested this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard similar comments (most likely from the same source) about heat being a concern. With VR, having a solid frame rate is critical and it seems that performance (and frame rate) begin to drop when the Note 4's temperature increases. I would assume this is a bigger issue with the more GPU heavy games and apps. Regarding the 360° viewing, that will work. It won't have positional tracking to detect forward/backward and side to side movement like the DK2.
I am currently working on a couple of projects for the DK2 with plans to port some of them over to Gear VR. I am just waiting on the mobile SDK to be released so I can begin the process. I already have the Note 4 and I will be picking up the Gear VR once released to begin testing and identifying its limitations.

Getting? Yes. What is it used for? No idea.

Gear VR
heliax007 said:
Getting? Yes. What is it used for? No idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this video helps to show you what it's like to use the Gear VR. It shows a virtual cinema on the moon and a Circle du soleil show.
But the video can't show you the actual depth and scale of what the user is seeing. The cinema on the moon is huge like a real cinema. There are other applications for an IMAX theater with which you can watch 2D/3D movies and the experience is as good if not better than the real thing. So you can have you own IMAX theater at home, in bed, on a plane, hotel, ect.
edit: Since i'm a new member i can't post links yet, but since it's a youtube video, just copy and paste it to google.
youtu.be/SVwNz4_NbRw?t=35s

so it does track your head and move like the oculus or no?

J3ff said:
so it does track your head and move like the oculus or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
360° Headtracking yes with better latency and better screen than DK2 but no positional tracking yet, but Oculus is working on that for a later version.
But sixense announced yesterday that STEM works with Gear VR (so far one STEM at a time), which could also be used for positional tracking.

Powerslash said:
360° Headtracking yes with better latency and better screen than DK2 but no positional tracking yet, but Oculus is working on that for a later version.
But sixense announced yesterday that STEM works with Gear VR (so far one STEM at a time), which could also be used for positional tracking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, cant wait!

To be truthful, I will be mainly using it for porn and other forms of erotica.
Don't judge me...

Yes, half the reason I got interested in the Note. Can't wait.

maybe. depends on price. if it' over $100US, not likely. I just don't think I'll use it that much. It'll be more a tinker toy.
I would use it to check out some games. Maybe interesting for watching movies or tv shows. It's just not something I think i want to drag around with me on a regular basis.

iirc I saw company wasgonna be making a very cheap Gear VR substitute - £20-30 or so. Amirite in thinking there's basically no electronics in the Gear VR, just a frame/lenses/strap?
If so, then I'd really expect cheap copies to come out as there's not a lot to it...
e: and I'm not talking about the cardboard one

To be honest the only reason why I started looking at the Note 4 was because of Gear VR. And it’s the primary reason why I’m not looking at the Nexus 6 or Droid Turbo right now even though I wanted to switch it up this year (this is my 3rd Note device in a row). And because John Carmark and Oculus Rift are behind it I know that this will not be some half-assed attempt like those cardboard boxes or generic head pieces.
For me portable VR (if done right) is next gen stuff. I know it won’t be perfect due to the lack of a head tracking sensor and mobile power (when compared to a powerful pc) but the benefit is that you’re not tied to a computer via cables and the experience is tailored to the Note 4.
---------- Post added at 06:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:47 AM ----------
SquidgyB said:
iirc I saw company wasgonna be making a very cheap Gear VR substitute - £20-30 or so. Amirite in thinking there's basically no electronics in the Gear VR, just a frame/lenses/strap?
If so, then I'd really expect cheap copies to come out as there's not a lot to it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not looking for a cheap Gear VR substitute. I want something that will fully utilize the hardware and software of the Note 4; not something that will work with a iPhone 5 or Samsung S4. When you plug the Note 4 into the Gear VR it goes into a full Gear VR experience. The software is made to work with the Note 4 and that was one of the talking points when John Carmack got on stage. You still have sensors, memory card and a keypad that is powered off the Note 4. It's not just a piece of plastic with lenses.

ciscostud said:
To be truthful, I will be mainly using it for porn and other forms of erotica.
Don't judge me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gear vr + teledildonics

[Q] Best VR Headset For Note 4

Hello,
I am reviewing a lot of VR Headsets available on the Amazon, considering the fact that Samsung Gear VR costs $200 and all the VR Headsets will just have a focal lens and a plastic body, i didnt want to invest 200$. If anyone know or already using any of the VR Headsets other than samsung vr, please post your reviews and information.

Technically it has some button controls and a touch panel as well.

I wouldn't just buy a $150+ headset at all right now.
I'd suggest to give Google Cardboard a shot. It's a great entry level 'VR Headset'.
Also, using a bluetooth keyboard/mouse makes navigation easy no matter which headset you have.

I got the Gear VR which I returned after paying like $12 for the bigger cardboard version on Amazon. The Gear VR is elegant and cool, but it's not an item worth $200 for what it does right now. The Cardboard is good enough to experience some of what I need. I imagine someone will do one in fancier plastic eventually.

There are some chineese plastic alternatives that looks great ! You can also get one printed in a 3d printer http://www.durovis.com/opendive-howto.html

It's not just $200 for a plastic body and lens. Optics are superior, you can control the phone within the headset, the headset has its own high quality sensors, a lot more comfortable, and it has its own exclusive content which I find much better + all the cardboard content, that's not to mention the paid store which will come soon and maybe even positional tracking eventually, overall nothing else out now comes close. Having said that, I also got the standard Google Cardboard and it does serve as a good entry point into VR for very cheap, lack of straps wasn't too big of an issue since you're mainly using it for a few minutes at a time.

Cheap VR that works with a case on
I would like to share my recent purchase of a VR headset. It is not expensive and the design is very simple. I would say it is a bit step up from google box.
3 components: a Bluetooth controller, goggle and phone tray.
1. The goggle is comfortable and not heavy even with your phone attached to it. It leave a goggle mark, hahahaha.
2. The lenses are not coated with anti glare but it would be nice to have it. Because it does improves the clarity of the image on the screen. It has adjustable lenses and uses simple mech. So basically you just have to move the device forward or back( it made the screen smaller or larger) and left or right( it adjust your pupil distance so you do not experience double images).
3. The goggle comes with a tray that slides into a small opening on the side and it is advertised to hold any phones (damn true indeed). It uses a spring tension to hold Note 4 instead strapping it in place. Similar to selfie wand except it is made from a thin plastic. Honestly, I did not like the design because it has to be stretched so far out and it barely fits Note 4 (with or without the cushions provided). I makes you feel like stretching an elastic band to it's breaking point and you know it will break now or later. So I already started to decided what to do about it when it breaks till I tried sliding my entire phone with case on. Guess what it fits perfectly. It is not a snug fit at the same time it does not have any gaps that allow the phone to move or giggle . So far I do not have any issue with it after hours of usage. The big plus is that the visual divider stays at the center of the goggles. Im like whattttttttt are the chances of that happening. : ) So lucky me and now Im going to share that with you guys. : ) Oh btw shipping is fast as well, 6 business days for it to arrived my home.
http://www.amazon.ca/SUPCASE-Full-body-Protective-Protector-Resistant/dp/B00MP3P0VE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449752403&sr=8-1&keywords=supcase+note+4
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0176S0D4Q/ref=pe_386430_30332290_TE_3p_dp_1

Just my 2¢,
I bought the Gear VR off of Ebay for $140, and the experience is jaw dropping. Ive also ordered a Cardboard set, so I'll compare them and update.
As for the VR set, I believe it has superior head tracking, as well as an external track pad for navigation. Google cardboard relies upon the phone's sensors, which aren't as precise, and only has a single actuator (typically a magnetic slider or button).

I have both. Don't waste your money on the cardboard. The GVR is so much better that the cardboard seems like a badly assembled science project.
The extra sensors do help a lot. And then it is not just about the hardware. The ecosystem that Oculus and Samsung have created is really worth it. Or wait till you upgrade to some other samsung device and then get the 100$ version.

Did anybody tried to figure out if new Samsung GearVR (edition 2015 for 99 USD) which is by default compatible with S6, S6+, Note 5, may in fact also work with Note 4?
Size of S6+ is almost the same as Note 4, so physically it should fit. It would be great to find the "mod" for note 4 which will allow to "mimic" that is Note 5.. and use it with this new GearVR....

I bought Gear VR (Note 4 Innovator Edition) for less than USD 125 & it's awesome.
I compared it with Cardboard.....It is Night & Day different.
The Immersive feeling, the experience....everything is WAY BETTER when using Gear VR.
I play some games (4) on Gear VR & it's very comfortable, way MORE COMFORTABLE compared to Cardboard.
I tried a few more games for Cardboard & NONE of them nearly as comfortable as Gear VR games (I get nauseated only after a few seconds of playing any Cardboard games that I tried.....6 games).
The only Gear VR game that I tried & it made me nauseated is Temple Run.
Movie experience is also the same. Cardboard movie screen seems to have a tendency to "move" to the right very slowly so I have to re-orient the screen many times.
All of Cardboard experiences stutter a lot due to lack of additional sensors.
So IMHO my USD 125 is well spent
NOTE: We can use Gear VR to control Cardboard apps (including the button) with the help of Gear VR Cardboard App

Is there a non-root way to run cardboard apps in the Gear VR that doesn't involve putting stress on the microUSB connection?

d4rkkn16ht said:
I bought Gear VR (Note 4 Innovator Edition) for less than USD 125 & it's awesome.
I compared it with Cardboard.....It is Night & Day different.
The Immersive feeling, the experience....everything is WAY BETTER when using Gear VR.
I play some games (4) on Gear VR & it's very comfortable, way MORE COMFORTABLE compared to Cardboard.
I tried a few more games for Cardboard & NONE of them nearly as comfortable as Gear VR games (I get nauseated only after a few seconds of playing any Cardboard games that I tried.....6 games).
The only Gear VR game that I tried & it made me nauseated is Temple Run.
Movie experience is also the same. Cardboard movie screen seems to have a tendency to "move" to the right very slowly so I have to re-orient the screen many times.
All of Cardboard experiences stutter a lot due to lack of additional sensors.
So IMHO my USD 125 is well spent
NOTE: We can use Gear VR to control Cardboard apps (including the button) with the help of Gear VR Cardboard App
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For all those interested in the GearVR for Note 4 - please read http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64424147&postcount=55
Please post comments there, also I am looking for somebody knowing the details of the rom needed to run GearVR on the N910C (Exynos) custom roms (like NOT-I V14 or V17.1 or Wanam rom for N910C, as for now it is only confirmed to work on the stock 910F version (Snapdragon lollipop 5.1.1)

LG VR 360 Headset - Anyone have it ?

Does anyone have the production/release version of the headset, i have seen they are in stock at a couple of places here in the UK (Handtek/Mobilefun) and am debating pressing the trigger.
The reviews all seem to be from last month and perhaps pre production software/hardware ?
Main thing i want to know is about lag and screen blur (i don't care about the light bleed etc) ?
Thanks in advance !

I just received my copy. I could live with the light shinning through from the bottom of the glasses but I can't understand why there is no Google cardboard support, no vr app from the playstore works either. You can only watch some clips and your pictures, nothing else. I'm thinking about sending it back straight away. Unbelievable that they ask 300 euros for this.
EDIT: Still searching for a solution to start other vr apps... but to answer your questions: Blur is there, if you move quickly it will quickly blur out, but ifs easy to focus again by not moving your head too much. About the lag, i couldn't see any lag, if you move your head, the picture moves with it. Please do not take my word too seriously, this is my first vr equipment and therefore i have no experience with this kind of things.
Sent from my SM-T805 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Light bleed isn't as extreme as most of the reviewers have stated, however the blur is quite obvious, especially if you actually move around a lot. Other than that the only issue I had is no working 3rd party VR apps, which sucks.

Yes I have it and agree light bleed isn't extreme . Here is my review
https://gavinsgadgets.com/2016/05/04/lg-g5-friends-lg-360-vr-review/

My two cents review..
I bought mine in the US from B&H photovideo. The field of view is smaller than the gear vr IMO. Pixel quality seems a little better to me on the LG360VR but the optics begin to blur a tiny bit toward the edges. The game selection is totally non-existent except the one app I happened upon during a google search.
It's called "battle lg360vr" in the play store. Its not free but is less than $2.00. For anyone who decides to buy it, you have to start it from within the play store because it won't show up in the app drawer nor in the vr manager. Once I ran that app I couldn't switch back to the 360 vr manager app until I disconnected and reconnected the headset.
I'm hopeful more content will pop up for this headset in the next few months. Otherwise I don't think the current lineup of content is worth the cost.
Overall I prefer the LG360VR form factor over the gear vr. In spite of the Gear VR feeling more immersive and having many games to choose from I couldn't use it for long without getting major eye fatigue. It was also uncomfortable to wear for very long hurting the bridge of my nose and fogged up too easily.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Oh and yes there is some blurring but it was more noticeable in the main vr manager menu and surprisingly less noticeable during playing the battle vr game.
FWIW, I think the blur issue might be more of a slow response time of the LCD panels rather than lag between the phone and the headset.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app

arie001 said:
Oh and yes there is some blurring but it was more noticeable in the main vr manager menu and surprisingly less noticeable during playing the battle vr game.
FWIW, I think the blur issue might be more of a slow response time of the LCD panels rather than lag between the phone and the headset.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
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I have a set, and I must say I really enjoy them, having spent a lot of time with the Gear VR before. These are very light and comfortable, image quality is great, almost no noticeable screen door effect and as soon as there are more vr content these googles will be a great thing to have.
My only real issue is that i have not been able to find a cable that allows me to charge the phone, and have the headset connected, at the same time. This means that the headset is a little hard for it's basic use case (for me), watching movies while travelling. My phone battery is nearly dead after watching 30-40 mins of a movie, and this is not enough time to charge the second battery in the charger that came with the spare-battery set.
Anyone that have any ideas on where to get a cable that would allow me to both charge the phone, and use the head set at the same time?

Huge oversight from LG for not supporting Cardboard from the beginning. Hope they'll update it soon!

Mind blowing that they dont support cardboard apps

Does anyone recommend a suitable chinese VR set for LG G5?