Samsung is prepping another Gear VR headset for the Galaxy S8 and it features a handheld controller
Samsung is apparently working on a new version of its Gear VR headset hardware which will take a leaf out of the Google Daydream View's book by having a dedicated controller. The original Gear VR operated via a small touchpad control mounted on the side of the headset, but it's thought that the addition of a hand-held controller will allow a better gaming experience, as well as making user interaction with menus easier - this is all based on the fact that feedback from the Daydream View's control system has been largely positive.
Word comes via Twitter source Roland Quandt, who reveals some of the details and suggests the headset will land inside 2017, possibly as early as next month (March), perhaps implying that it could be in attendance at MWC 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.
"Samsung Gear VR SM-R324 is coming - same as SM-R323 for S7, but gets different front cover to hold Galaxy S8 - and a single hand controller," he said.
It's understandable that Samsung will want to keep the design similar, likely for backwards compatibility reasons, as well as returning user familiarity. It's not clear how much backwards compatibility there will be, however, as it's quite plausible the new Gear VR will have been designed with Google's Daydream project specifications in mind, and this may eliminate the use of older hardware. What's more, it's been established in earlier rumours that the Galaxy S8's 4K display was designed with VR use in mind, likely as part of a pairing with this new Gear VR.
The controller appears to incorporate an analogue control stick and a set of buttons, similar to a console controller. This is according to renders of the device (via SamMobile) and it appears that the controller may attach to the headset just like the Daydream View. What's not clear is whether, like the Daydream View, the controller will incorporate motion sensors and control as well as direct input via physical keys; Google's solution allows somewhat Nintendo Wii-like input in the virtual environment, which is also something seen on the HTC Vive.
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