Related
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:
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
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
I recently bought the Gear S2 after using my Gear 2 Neo daily for almost a year.
I used my Neo for:
- Occasionally taking calls via Bluetooth when my hands were otherwise occupied (e.g. carrying stuff).
- Occasionally controlling the TV via IR blaster
- Tracking my sleep habits, how much I was getting and how much tossing/turning I did that night
- Timekeeping
- Notifications
For reasons I can't really fathom, the Gear S2 only does the latter 2. I can't really understand why Samsung would remove those features from their flagship smartwatch line. What's more, I REALLY can't understand why this watch is getting ABSOLUTELY RAVE reviews across the board. It's almost like people didn't know the Gear 2 Neo even existed.
I guess it has something to do with the fact that sleep tracking, IR device control, and accepting phone calls via bluetooth are things MOST watches are incapable of for various reasons, so it's not much of a drawback from a reviewer's standpoint when those features are removed. As someone coming from the Neo to the S2, I have a hard time getting past the fact that I have an older, cheaper device that is far more capable sitting in a drawer unused. :/
Don't get me wrong, though. What the S2 can do it does do very well. The screen is gorgeous. The rotating bezel is brilliant. This version of Tizen is lightning fast and very intuitive. The "always on" feature is great, and notifications are handled much better. But I can't really escape the feeling that, while the Neo was a smartwatch, the S2 is just a $300 watch that can send text messages and receive email.
Am I missing something here?
Oh, and for some reason I can't get mine to vibrate when text messages are received. Calls only.
I sold my lovely Gear 2 in readiness for the S2 thinking it would finally get better app support and a better UI on top of the camera and ability to make and receive calls.
What a disappointment, apps are worse or as bad as the prior 3 watches, no camera or calling !!!
If you get a 3g model then it will have a speaker...therefore allowing for calls over bluetooth even if you don't have a sim card for the watch. On the sport models there is no speaker though. For the other functions like ir blaster, I guess they figured people don't use it as much and they had to cut something out to include new things like a different form factor, NFC, etc. Not defending, just saying they evolved to something else. Personally, I love my original gear s which basically has everything but the new round size of the S2.
Yeah it's pretty crazy our Gear 2's are the still the most capable smartwatches on the market.
Tends to happen when you strap a phone on your wrist instead of a watch.
JazzMac251 said:
...I have a hard time getting past the fact that I have an older, cheaper device that is far more capable sitting in a drawer unused. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand. You say you have a more capable watch sitting in the drawer unused, yet you recently bought a new S2 that is less capable and you are using it. Why not return the S2, use your Neo and save $300 bucks. Just because the S2 is out now, doesn't mean that your Neo can't be used again.
I had a Moto 360 V1 and Gear Fit, I returned both of them after a while because I didn't like them for one reason or another. No point in keeping unused depreciating assets like phones and wearables IMO, it's not like a classic Bugatti or classic Rolex that you can pass on or will gain value.
As far as the S2 is concerned, I think it will outsell all other Gear watches combined easily. The general public just doesn't want the whole entire kitchen sink in their watches. This is evident by previously poor Gear sales. Sure, they will lose some previous Gear customers, but they are gaining many more. That's the way business works unfortunately, maximum unit sales for maximum profits. I will say though that the BT version of the S2 really needs a speaker and Google voice recognition.
supersoulfly said:
Tends to happen when you strap a phone on your wrist instead of a watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, you cannot stop the inevitable. That point that most of the posters in this thread are making, is that Samsung DROPPED a lot of features and that didn't go over well with a segment of Samsung smartwatch users. I was in the thread where they were saying the S2 was selling out in Korea.. Wow, I figured that was just plain sales talk or there must be users that don't care about the PAST features that were on past Galaxy Gear Watches. Gear 2 was nice, but I even went for the Gear S, I am fully independent of my Note 4 if I choose to be.. They have put the S2 out there without a speaker, and they downsized it..
People are not talking against the S2 just to be talking, that's for sure..
Back to your comment, why don't Samsung just make a PLAIN WATCH, and leave all Tizen, email, and small tech stuff that you can do on the S2 alone?
Get the S2 3g model if you want an independent experience. (why do people keep acting like this model doesn't exist and doesn't address most of the complaints prior S users have?)
As far as making a plain watch? I might consider wearing that before the monstrosities Samsung has put out before. Gear 2 and Gear S, lots of cool tech, but the only place I'd be seen wearing one is if I went to a Star Trek convention.
This thread reminds me of a book I read years back: "Crossing the Chasm." It's about the challenge technology companies have selling to different kinds of customers: technology enthusiastic early adopters vs. the pragmatic broader market. According to the author, Geoffrey Moore, the former are an important way to launch an product in a new space, but represent a very small market. The latter are a much larger market but are not going to buy a product until it reaches a level of maturity, refinement, and clarity of purpose.
I usually consider myself an early adopter, but I gotta say, I really like the S2, but I had no interest whatsoever in the Gear 2 or Gear S. But for those who like that sort of product, hopefully there will continue to be options in future.
I get that there's a lot of "can't please everyone" talk going on here, but here's why the removal of these features is kind of nuts to me:
The single driving complaint the public has with this type of wearable technology is that it's pointless. The iPad and the iPhone were brilliant because they were able to fill a niche solving problems in people's lives that they didn't know existed. People argue that the physical form-factor limitations inherent with smartwatches makes them redundant at best and extravagantly wasteful at worst. The problem is that this characterization is largely correct.
For smartwatches to break out of that mold, I think the key is for them to be as Swiss-army-knife as possible. Can't find the remote, got it. Can't answer call because its impractical (hands full, can't find phone, doing chores, etc), got it. Would like to evaluate sleep habits, got it. Need to make NFC payment, got it. Want to track your heart rate, got it. The second you start dumping features is the second you move the device even more into the realm of "$300+ dollar device to check your email". The rotating bezel is super cool, but the primary concern people have with smartwatches is that they're pointless, not that they need to be easy to use.
The point I was trying to make is that I was one of the few people for whom Samsung successfully created a product that actually DID fill a unique little niche in my life. As they're trying to expand their product base, it seems the last thing they would want to do is create a flagship device that has absolutely 0 appeal to someone that is already super into smartwatches anyway.
This is actually the first time I've ever upgraded a piece of technology to find it woefully inadequate to what I already had. As a technophile, that's a really strange concept to me. The technology in device is great - I love the hardware, the software, and the implementation. Unfortunately, this device really is a $350 way to read text messages on your wrist and that's all it is, which is why I'll be returning it ASAP.
Also, I have to say, it kinda looks feminine. I much prefer the squared off look of the Gear 2. That's just personal preference, though.
JazzMac251 said:
I get that there's a lot of "can't please everyone" talk going on here, but here's why the removal of these features is kind of nuts to me:
The single driving complaint the public has with this type of wearable technology is that it's pointless. The iPad and the iPhone were brilliant because they were able to fill a niche solving problems in people's lives that they didn't know existed. People argue that the physical form-factor limitations inherent with smartwatches makes them redundant at best and extravagantly wasteful at worst. The problem is that this characterization is largely correct.
For smartwatches to break out of that mold, I think the key is for them to be as Swiss-army-knife as possible. Can't find the remote, got it. Can't answer call because its impractical (hands full, can't find phone, doing chores, etc), got it. Would like to evaluate sleep habits, got it. Need to make NFC payment, got it. Want to track your heart rate, got it. The second you start dumping features is the second you move the device even more into the realm of "$300+ dollar device to check your email". The rotating bezel is super cool, but the primary concern people have with smartwatches is that they're pointless, not that they need to be easy to use.
The point I was trying to make is that I was one of the few people for whom Samsung successfully created a product that actually DID fill a unique little niche in my life. As they're trying to expand their product base, it seems the last thing they would want to do is create a flagship device that has absolutely 0 appeal to someone that is already super into smartwatches anyway.
This is actually the first time I've ever upgraded a piece of technology to find it woefully inadequate to what I already had. As a technophile, that's a really strange concept to me. The technology in device is great - I love the hardware, the software, and the implementation. Unfortunately, this device really is a $350 way to read text messages on your wrist and that's all it is, which is why I'll be returning it ASAP.
Also, I have to say, it kinda looks feminine. I much prefer the squared off look of the Gear 2. That's just personal preference, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with everything you wrote except for the part where you said you think the watch looks kinda feminine. ?
Sent from my SM-G925P using Tapatalk
supersoulfly said:
Get the S2 3g model if you want an independent experience. (why do people keep acting like this model doesn't exist and doesn't address most of the complaints prior S users have?)
As far as making a plain watch? I might consider wearing that before the monstrosities Samsung has put out before. Gear 2 and Gear S, lots of cool tech, but the only place I'd be seen wearing one is if I went to a Star Trek convention.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
, Gotta give the Star Wars Crack was a good one.
However, if the S2 was so much a winner, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Instead we all would be breaking or necks to get one. As you can see that is not the case. A lot of users that WOULD be breaking their necks to get on are instead turned off by the new design and features.
You can't ignore that, just read some of the comments.
Since I am a Samsung Fanboy, I will wait for the S3 and Note and see what happens!
I am a Star Wars fan, now I'm addicted to Guardians Of The Galaxy.
I'll gladly sale my gear 2 neo to anyone reading this.
IR blaster went away on phones and watch, just didn't make the cut for usability. I played with ir for the first day to show off then never used it again myself.
Camera in a watch was another one. Apple watch will sale a **** ton without these features for more money. It's not needed by enough people.
Speaker, u just bought the wrong model, but they should have put it in all models. I agree on that part.
Other problems are app issues and tizen is always gonna behind google wear, they are trying to swim upstream and I'm afraid they will never catchup in shear amount of apps.
The 3G model is not coming to all markets the UK being one.
Samsung is just a Apple sheep soon as the Apple watch fan boys like the whole making and taking calls Samsung will do the mother of U turn and the S3 gear will be out this time next year if not earlier.
My Gear 2 was great battery and did the notification basics and handy calling features but the lack of apps was a killer and here we are again the same crap this time 1000 apps at launch.
I think the Neo was a massively underrated device and I'll be keeping mine.
That said, the additional functionality versus the S2 were largely novelty items for me... it's core functions of time, notifications and step tracking were all I used on a daily basis. I can understand the frustration if you used these regularly.
The form factor (s2 is a beautiful watch in its own right) and the bezel navigation are worth the price of admission IMO.
I agree with JazzMac about the S2. I have had the original "Galaxy Gear", Gear 2, Gear S, and then picked up a Gear S2. After 2 days I returned it. Loved the round form factor and rotating bezel, but realized I wanted at least the receive & talk capability on the watch. I would wait for the 3G version. I have had the 3G version for about 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. Does almost everything I want, has great battery life, and I enjoy the freedom of leaving my phone for runs and other quick trips and still being connected.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1236278-REG/lg_lgr105_ausats_360_cam_spherical_camera.html
Also 360 VR for $199 too.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1236279-REG/lg_lgr100_ausats_360_vr_smartphone_headset.html
Any news on the dac add on from bang and Olufsen?
If it wasnt for how bad the reviews are for the 360 vr I would be tempted to order it. Especially with how much I dislike the gear vr I ahve sitting here next to me.
Woah 199 for the VR? It got horrid reviews.
B&H Photo also has bundles with the G5 and both the 360 VR & 360 Cam for $799.99 - pretty good deal if you want them both.
And I saw the 360 VR did get mixed reviews, but I really think the lightness and lack of clunkiness (ie not having to dock your phone in the headset) are what can make the difference. To me, the mobile VR solutions shouldn't be trying to compete with Oculus Rift yet - I think trading off some immersiveness/quality might be worth it at this point for the lighter frame and greater ease of mobility. This isn't a headset for playing deeply immersive computer games - it's for carrying around with you and enjoying a little VR on the go wherever you are.
That said, I am hoping to be able to try one out somewhere before I think about ordering.
~Troop
if you own the US version of the G5, the B&O module is not compatible with your device. it's terrible news...
I'm using the LGR105 and it's not too bad. Realize it has limitations. The app, however, is horrible. The 20 minute video is 2.5 Gigs and you must transfer it through the app to get a useable video. But the app won't transfer the video because it can't fit 2.5 Gigs into 7.5 Gigs of available space on the phone. I also have 8 Gigs free on my SD card. The developers don't want to be bothered. First they said "Download the new version, we fixed that problem" which obviously they didn't, as I'm running the new version. Then they said that it's my problem. Totally useless. What good is a camera when you can't view the pictures you've taken?
I have the VR and it fit's better and is lighter then a cardboard with a phone inside.
The screen is not very good, I can count the pixels... and the phone drains fast and gets very hot using it.
I only tried it the day I got it for free with my secondhand phone, you need to install LG friends and all kind of LG 3d specific apps and from what I know it only works with those apps..
Nice try LG, but it's a waste of money..