Samsung Canada Introduces the First Consumer Edition of Gear VR, Powered by Oculus

Samsung delivers a new and refined Gear VR, including hundreds of new content options available to Canadians

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 11, 2015 /CNW/ - Samsung Electronics Canada, one of the leading suppliers of mobile phones in the Canadian marketplace, announced today the Canadian availability of its first Gear VR Consumer Edition.  Powered by Oculus, the new Samsung Gear VR broadens the accessibility of virtual reality and offers Canadians the opportunity to immerse themselves in new worlds, games and experiences by simply snapping their Galaxy smartphone into the device.

The latest edition of the Gear VR is compatible with the Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, S6 and S6 edge, leveraging each device's super AMOLED display to provide the colour, clarity and performance needed for an amazing virtual reality experience. With new foam cushioning, the Samsung Gear VR is 19 percent lighter than the previous Gear VR Innovator Edition, making the device more comfortable to wear. In addition, the Gear VR's touchpad has been improved, providing greater control while enjoying a robust selection of film, gaming, 360 degree video and experiential content available.

"Samsung Canada has been at the forefront of delivering mobile experiences, and the newest Gear VR makes virtual reality accessible to even more consumers," said Paul Brannen, Executive Vice President Mobile Solutions, Samsung Electronics Canada. "The Gear VR offers a truly innovative experience, getting Canadians closer to incredible 360 degree content in a completely immersive way."

Elevating the virtual reality experience, there are more content options to choose from than ever before in the Oculus Store, including the Samsung Milk VR application, available for download in Canada starting today.  With 300+ content titles and 25+ hours of VR experiences, Samsung Milk VR brings high quality content to life for Canadians, with exclusively developed content such as GONE, an original scripted thriller produced by Robert Kirkman and David Alpert's Skybound Entertainment. Also included are must-see titles like The Hunger Games: Mockingjay as well as additional channels in music, sports, action and lifestyle.  All content can be streamed for instant access or downloaded for full-quality experience and offline viewing.

The Samsung Gear VR Consumer Edition will launch in Frost White and will be available at select Canadian retailers and Samsung Experience Stores beginning December 11, 2015 for $139 CDN (MSRP).

Samsung Gear VR Product Specifications

Dimension / Weight	201.9 x 116.4 x 92.6 mm / 318g
Sensor	Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Proximity(Mount/Unmount Detection)
FOV *Field of View	96 degrees
IPD Coverage	54 ~ 70 mm (Fixed Lenses)
Colour	Frost White
Compatibility	microUSB connection to the Galaxy Note 5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Read and follow warnings and instructions with the Headset before use. The Headset should be calibrated before each use. Not for use by children under 13. A virtual reality experience may trigger health reactions. See a doctor before use if you have a history of seizures. Stop use if you experience health reactions. 

About Samsung Electronics Canada
Samsung Electronics Canada inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances and printers. Samsung is a leader in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home initiatives. In 2014, Samsung was ranked one of the top 10 most influential brands in Canada, based on a study by Ipsos Reid. Committed to making a difference in communities across Canada, its Samsung Hope for Children corporate giving program supports children's education, sustainability and health-related issues. Globally, Samsung employs 319,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of $196 billion.

To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com. 

Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada or on Twitter and Instagram @SamsungCanada

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Lianne Pitts for Samsung Canada, [email protected], 647.969.9941