Merge VR Goggles Review

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Merge VR Goggles is a virtual reality headset. Its design is very different from other VR headsets today. A body part is purple and made of flexible soft foam. This is a post of Merge VR Goggles review.

The foam that constructs the main body is soft and comfortable enough for you to put the headset directly on your face. So, It doesn’t have cushioning sponge and cloth. So, it’s very easy to clean. “Made of foam” sounds ultralight in weight, but unfortunately, the foam is relatively dense. It weighs around 12oz. That is not much different from most headsets made of plastic.

And the foam is flexible. It makes a snug fit to your face on one side. On the other side, there is a slot in which your smartphone is inserted without a latch, holder, adapter or anything like that. Smartphones are held only by friction. There is no locking mechanism. So, smaller phones may be loose, and moving while in use. Conversely, larger phones are difficult to be squeezed in and out of the slot. There are some reports that edges of slot got torn and cut after a series of uses. It’s recommended that phones are 4.5 to 5.7-inch display and shorter than 158mm although phones longer than 158mm can fit.

There are slits on both side for access to a charging port and audio jack, also on the bottom so you can push out smartphone easily. A part of the front can open to expose a camera of smartphone for Augmented Reality. And there are some holes for ventilation.

A distance of lenses is adjustable. You can move them to the left and right, but not front and back to focus. FOV is around 85. It is narrow for the headset of its price.

A mechanical button is integrated into each lens assembly. Both buttons act the same way and mostly perform the same function. When you press the button on the top of either side lens assembly, it taps on the screen of a smartphone. You can make the same simple controls by them as a magnet trigger of Google Cardboard headset does.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable against a drop
  • Two Buttons

Cons

  • Smartphones compatibility issues
  • Narrow FOV
  • Location of buttons
  • Expensive

Conclusion

Merge VR goggles have a unique design. A flexible soft foam is comfortable and durable. It would protect smartphone inside against a drop. And most importantly, it’s very easy to clean. The headset is suitable for carrying around and sharing with your friends and families. Two buttons are good to have, but they mostly do the same function in apps. Some games may need two buttons and do different controls. The buttons are on the top of the headset. Probably, you will get tired soon if you continuously use the buttons. Around 85 FOV is a disappointment. It’s very narrow for the headset of its price. The biggest drawback is a smartphones compatibility. It could fit a lot of size of smartphones, but smaller ones may be loose and larger ones may be tight in the headset. Especially, it needs an extra caution when you insert and remove larger smartphones. A regular price of Merge VR Goggles is $79.99. It’s a little too expensive for me when I consider pros and cons mentioned above.

What is the Best VR Headset for iPhones 2016?

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Some say that 2016 is the year of Virtual Reality. In fact, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift were released early this year and PlayStation VR in October 2016. These provide premium VR experiences. You can move and make an action in VR world as you do in reality. To make things possible, they need external cameras and special controller. Thus, they all cost a lot.

On the other hand, a mobile VR is the better option to start. A mobile VR headset uses a smartphone as a display by placing the smartphone in front. Smartphone’s sensors replicate your head movement so you can have a 360-degree view. You can’t move around in VR world like HTC, Oculus, PSVR, and none of mobile VR provides this type of motion tracking. But, it may not be necessary to experience VR. And headsets are relatively cheap ranging from $10 to $120. And if you already have a smartphone, a headset is the only device you to start.

At the time of writing this post, Gear VR is the best among mobile VR headsets. It has a built-in sensor that tracks your head movement, which is connected and processed to a smartphone via USB port. This sensor is more accurate with lower latency than smartphone sensor. But, Gear VR is compatible with Samsung flagship phones. So, what option do owners of iPhones and other smartphones have?

Here are virtual reality headsets with positive reviews. If your smartphones are VR compatible devices, you can enjoy many Google Cardboard apps with them.

OCT17 VR 2.0 2nd Gen Virtual Reality 3D Glasses Goggle Headset

  • Very inexpensive
  • Individually adjustable lenses, front and back, left and right
  • Fits 4.7 to 6 inch display mobile devices
  • Holding a device on a sliding tray
  • Holes on the side for a headphone or USB cable
  • No magnetic button

Many headsets have a focus wheel to adjust lenses, but this headset can do that individually. Plus, you can also change a distance between the lenses. Price is very inexpensive, not much different from a price of Cardboard. If you just want to try out VR, spend extra $10 (or less) and get this headset over Cardboard.

DESTEK V3 Virtual Reality VR Headset with Magnetic Trigger, NFC

  • Magnetic button
  • NFC Tag
  • 103 degree FOV
  • Individually adjustable lenses, front and back, left and right
  • Lightweight 276g = 9.73oz
  • Fit 4 to 6 inch display mobile devices
  • Special frame (included) for iPhone 5/S/C/SE
  • Holes on the side for audio jack and USB cable
  • Holes on the front for camera exposure
  • Adjustable cradles for larger size devices
  • Change to Thinner Sponge pad (included) for thicker devices or ones with a sturdy phone case

3rd version of DESTEK headset solved all problems of the previous version such as a narrow FOV and compatibility issues due to a location of power/volume buttons. And many features are added. According to a manufacturer, fully adjustable lenses allow you to use the headset without eyeglasses if a degree of myopia is within 600. A built-in magnetic button and NFC tag are enough reasons for you to choose DESTEK V3 over other simple and overpriced headsets.

Conclusion

I’ve tested some other headsets, but can’t recommend them. For example, Zeiss is simply not worth the price, neither is Homido. Except for Gear VR which is sensors to track your head’s movement, any mobile VR headsets are not worth around $100. Merge VR is around $80 and may be good because of comfort. But it also needs some improvements. So, for a budget (under $30), OCT17 VR 2.0 is recommended. With the fully adjustable lenses for this price, there is nothing to complain. If you want more immersive experience, choose DESTEK V3 as a mid range (around $50). Its has much wider FOV. Any size devices, even with a case would fit. For a premium (around $100), I can’t find anything worth their prices for now.

Google Earth VR Launched

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Google has launched a virtual reality version of its app, Google Earth VR. It allows you to explore our planet by seeing satellite photos with 3D and 360-degree format.

Unfortunately, Google Earth VR is currently available with HTC Vive only, not Daydream which is the platform Google has just launched with a new headset (Daydream View) this month, nor Oculus Rift and Gear VR.

When the app is available in Daydream and Oculus, controllers of Oculus Rift and Daydream View will allow you smooth navigation thanks to their motion tracking controllers. Gear VR and other mobile VR headset lack this sort of controller. So, navigation would be a bit frustrating just like you feel when you explore Google Street View (Cardboard app) with those headsets.

See Also: How to Play Google Cardboard Apps on Gear VR:

Here is a demo video. You can easily explore the earth by pointing HTC Vive controller wherever you like to go.

Difference between Gear VR 2015 and 2016 versions

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Samsung Gear VR is a virtual reality headset compatible selected Samsung Galaxy smartphones. After two innovator editions (SM-R320 & SM-R321) had been released for developers, Samsung released the first consumer edition (SM-R322) in 2015 . And the second one (SM-R323) was released in 2016, with some minor changes and improvements.

Samsung Gear VR 2015 & 2016Samsung Gear VR 2015 and 2016

Overall size: 2016 version is a little wider horizontally.

Comparison or Gear VR 2015 and 2016

Color: 2015 version is black and white, while 2016 version is black and dark blue

Gear VR comparison

Touchpad: 2015 version has cross-shaped groove, while 2016 version is flat

Gear VR trackpad

Home button: Back button exists on both versions, Home button is added to 2016 version.

Home Button of Gear VR 2016 ver

2016 version has a plastic divider in front (where a phone is inserted)

Divider of Gear VR 2016 versionDifference between 2015 and 2016 Gear VR

2016 version has a thicker rubber cushioning

Thicker rubber cushion

Color inside a compartment where your face is against is white on 2015 version and black on 2016 version. Dark color reduces glare and reflection.

Larger Lenses, Wider FOV

2016 version has six holes in total for ventilation while 2015 version has two.

Gear VR Ventilation Holes

2016 can’t close a cover when phone is set on a headset

Gear VR Ventilation Holes

2016 can’t close a cover when a holder is in Position B.

Cover won't close with a holder in Position B

You can close with a holder (connector side) lifted up

Cover closes when leaving one holder lifted up

2016 version a holder (connector side) is detachable to swap Type-C USB and Micro USB

Detachable holder (connector)

2016 charging port is Type-C USB. Use an adapter for micro USB cable

Charging port difference of Gear VRAdapter for Charging Port of Gear VR 2016 versionAdapter for micro USB cable

Field of View is 96 degree on 2015 version and 101 degree on 2016 version

Larger Lenses, Wider FOV

Price: Regular price is the same, $99.99. However, you may find 2015 version with a great discount after a release of 2016 version.

What is international version?

Gear VR International VersionAn international version is originally intended for sale in other countries than the U.S. Gear VRs of this version found on Amazon or eBay are not specified from which country. Some boxes have a description in other languages than English. There is no known difference between them, but international version may be a little cheaper than domestic version. Please note that international version may not have a warranty from a manufacturer. It’s better to contact the seller directly for more information.

Which one should I buy?

2016 version is released alongside Note 7 which has Type-C USB. Thanks to its detachable connector it’s also compatible with older phones which have micro USB. Currently, no compatible phone has Type-C USB because of a recall and discontinuation of Note 7. But, new phones are expected to have Type-C USB. So, 2016 version is a better choice for those who upgrade their phones frequently. If you are sure that you keep your current phone for a long time, you may choose 2015 version for its discounted price.

Samsung Gear VR Overview

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Gear VR is a virtual reality headset developed by Samsung. It was released on November 27, 2015. The headset is designed to work with selected Samsung smartphones; Galaxy Note 5, S6/Edge(+), S7/Edge. When in use, smartphones act as a display and processor while the headset acts a controller. The headset has a touchpad on the right side, a back button just above it, and volume buttons on the front of the touchpad. All control pad and buttons are on the right side of the device.

History

Before a release of Gear VR to the consumer in November 2015, Samsung had released two innovator editions to developers in December 2014 and March 2015. Samsung had developers and enthusiasts learn how it worked and created contents to work with the device. With feedback from developers and enthusiasts, Samsung made improvements and finally released the first consumer edition on November 27, 2015. The second version was released alongside Note 7 in August 2016, with some minor changes and improvements.

Apps and Games

As of February 2016, there are 185 applications available to download. Prices are ranging from free to $20. They are in Oculus Store, and you need to create an account online before downloading any apps. Some games such as Minecraft require a Bluetooth gamepad, and some are simply enough to play with Gear VR’s trackpad and buttons. A Bluetooth gamepad is not necessary to be a particular brand. Many brands Bluetooth gamepads are compatible.

There are not only games but some unique apps you should try. Netflix and Hulu offer their contents to be watched in the world of VR. With the headset, you watch your movies or TV shows in a virtual living room with a big screen TV. Samsung Internet let you browse the internet through Gear VR. NextVR allows you see live-stream events with 360-degree (or 180-degree) video technology. It has tested out on the US Open and NASCAR. More and more live sports events are coming.

Difference between two versions

An old version was release in 2015. It’s the first consumer version. Regular price is $99.99. After new version was released in 2016, you may find an old version for a price with around 50% discount. A new version has some improvements such as a more comfort, less light leak and reflection, and more ventilation. However, the big difference between them is that new version is not only compatible with smartphones using Micro USB but also Type-C USB.

See also: Difference between Gear VR 2015 and 2016 versions

Which one should I buy?

The headset was released alongside Note 7, which is the latest version of Samsung Galaxy phablet, and it has a Type-C USB port. After a recall and discontinuation of Note 7 due to battery overheating, there is no Gear VR compatible phone that uses Type-C USB for now. A connector of Gear VR is detachable so that you can switch from Type-C to Micro USB or vice versa. So, a new version is also compatible with previous models of Samsung smartphones. If you are certain that you continue to use a current phone for a long time, you may choose an old version (SM-R322) with a great discount. But if you frequently upgrade your phone, a new version (SM-R323) is the only option because newer Samsung phones are expected to have Type-C ports.

Tips for the best Gear VR movie experience

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Oculus VideoYou have various options to watch movies on Gear VR, virtual reality headset. Watching movies on Gear VR is nothing but watching movies on a virtual screen in a virtual environment. It doesn’t sound that exciting. But actually, there are many things possible thanks to VR. Here are some tips to have the best Gear VR movie experience.

Huge Virtual Screen

A notable feature of movies in VR is that you can watch movies on a big screen. As if you were in a theater, but there were no other audiences to block your sight or disturb by receiving phone calls.

Change Virtual Environment

You can change an environment in VR. Depending on apps, you may choose a living room, theater, and so on. Oculus Video even has Moon or Ant Theater (as if you became an ant and watching movies on Samsung Galaxy smartphone on grass.)

Move a screen wherever you want

After you look through all virtual environments, you probably want to choose Void theater as your primary mode. Void mode is not only a virtual screen floating in the blank but a mobile screen wherever you want it to be. Say you are sitting on a sofa in a real world and watching a movie on the headset. When you get tired and lie down, a virtual screen will be way out of your sight. Then, just a tap on the trackpad of Gear VR brings back the screen right in front of you. This feature is available in Netflix, Hulu, and Oculus Video apps.

Travel Mode

Travel Mode is available in Void theater of Netflix and Oculus Video. Say you travel by bus, the screen will move every time a bus turns and goes up or down a slope. This feature always keeps the screen in front of you. The movement of the screen is so slow that you won’t get sick. You can also bring it back immediately by tapping a trackpad in case the screen get way out of your sight.

Change the size of a screen

A large screen is not always necessarily depending on genres of movies. And it also gets your eyes tired quickly. Sometimes, you want to watch on a small screen for a comfort and relaxation. On the other hand, when you watch 3D movies, you may want a larger screen for more impressiveness. You can change the size of the screen by swiping a trackpad either upward or downward. This feature is available in Void Theater mode of Netflix and Oculus Video. Hulu doesn’t have this feature.

Tips for browsing

If you subscribe Netflix or Hulu, you can watch their contents on Gear VR. When you browse, it’s better to do so on a smartphone or PC and add them to My List so you can find them in VR app easily. I found it very hard to browse movies in Hulu VR app.

Watch your own contents on Oculus Video

If you have your own movies downloaded from somewhere or ripped from DVDs or Blu-rays, you can watch them on Oculus Video. You need to copy and paste video files in a storage of smartphone. If it’s a regular 2D movie, copy and paste it in Movie folder. The folder probably exists in a phone’s storage. If it’s a 3D movie, which is a side-by-side format, create a folder inside of Movie folder and name it 3D. Then paste it there. If it’s 360-degree video, create 360 folder inside of Movie folder and paste it there. Your own contents are found in My Videos of Oculus Video app. As long as video files are in the right folders, you can watch any contents, 2D, 3D, 360-degree, without any problem. And all features of Oculus Video, such as Theater, Moon, Void, and so on work, too. Oculus sells or rents movies in the app, but they are very expensive.

Conclusion

If you have an account of Netflix or Hulu, you should try them on a VR headset. If you never have their accounts, please note that they both offer either one week or one month free trial for new customers. I tried both of them. Then I found that Netflix provides a better experience. Hulu lacks a feature of Travel Mode and changing the size of the screen in Void Theater Mode. And navigation in the app is a little frustrating. Beside, contents of Hulu is not good.

If you have your own movies on PC, copy and paste them in phone’s storage. And you can watch them in Oculus Video app. Make sure that create each folder for each format of video files and paste them in the right folder. Making the screen bigger for 3D movies, lying on a bed for relaxing, having the screen always stay in front of you when traveling by airplane, all features are available in Oculus Video.

Google Daydream View Review

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Google’s second virtual reality headset has been released in November 2016. Like Cardboard, place a phone in front of the headset and pitch it with a door. The headset is far more stylish than Cardboard, and a motion tracking controller comes with it. Daydream View is currently the only headset for an enhanced VR platform, Daydream. A regular price is $79 USD.

Design

The headset is made of gray fabric that makes most parts of the body flexible. It’s smaller, lighter, more portable than Samsung Gear VR. An area that your face touch is completely removable for wash. There is no focus wheel.

Strap, Gap, Light Leaks

There may be a gap on the side or bottom through which light leaks. And it’s nearly impossible to fill. Because a head strap is attached to the upper parts of its sides. This design makes it difficult to tighten the strap. As an explanation of its design, Google says that you should wear the headset like a crown, not ski goggles. But this means the headset is always loose on your head. A problem that light enters can be diminished by making your room darker, but looseness is not favorable when you play action-packed games, watching horror movies, etc.

Controller

The headset comes with a controller. It has a circular trackpad, menu and home buttons on its face, volume rocker on the side. The headset can track the controller in 3D space. A built-in battery is charged via USB cable connected to Type-C port at the bottom. According to Google, it lasts 12 hours with a full charge. You can re-center the screen or pointer at any time by holding the controller straight, then press and hold the Home button. When no use, a controller can be accommodated inside the headset, where a phone is inserted when in use.

Compatible Phones

Daydream works with new smartphones. Currently, Pixel and Pixel XL are the only compatible phones. An operating system is Android 7.1 Nougat. They have the same sync&charge port as Daydream View’s controller. The headset doesn’t include any accessories such as a USB cable. So, you will need to share the cable that came with a smartphone. Google announces that Daydream View will work with flagship phones from Samsung, HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE, Asus and Alcatel.

Software App and Games

At the time of Daydream launch, there are only a dozen apps and games for Daydream. Google promises over 50 apps and games by the end of 2016.

Pros

  • Compact and stylish design
  • Includes motion tracking controller
  • Regular price $79

Cons

  • Loose fit
  • Light leaks
  • Lack of apps and games

Conclusion

Daydream View is the first mobile VR with a motion tracking controller. With the controller, there is a lot of potentials. A price of $79 including the controller is a real bargain. Right now, there is only a dozen, but soon Google Play Store would be filled with Daydreams apps. And more and more new Android phones will be compatible next year.

Free Gear VR Deals Black Friday 2016

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Best Buy and Target offer similar deals for Black Friday 2016. You will get a free Gear VR and $250 store gift card with a purchase of Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge.

Details (Best Buy)

  • Online or In-Store
  • Free $250 Best Buy gift card on 11/24
  • Require 2-year contract with Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint
  • A free Gear VR will be sent from Samsung – You will need to claim at SamsungPromotions.com/TryOnTheFuture (as of 11/12, promotion details is not available yet, according to BestBuy ad, eligible purchase 11/24 thru 11/28)

Details (Target)

  • In-store only
  • Free $250 Target gift card on 11/24
  • Require 2-year contract with Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint
  • A free Gear VR will be sent from Samsung – You will need to claim at SamsungPromotions.com/TryOnTheFuture (as of 11/12, promotion details is not available yet, according to target ad, the promotion includes Oculus content bonus)

Note that free $250 gift card are available as Doorbuster deals on 11/24. To receive a free Gear VR, you need to claim at SamsungPromotions.com/TryOnTheFuture. But, as of 11/12 promotion details are not available yet. The following promotion will be expected the same as the previous one. (Free Gear VR Deals 9/8 -10/9/2016)

Free Gear VR Deals 9/8 -10/9/2016

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You will get a free Gear VR and Oculus VR content bonus (estimated value of $50) with a purchase of Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge.

Details

  • Purchase or lease a new Samsung Galaxy $7 or S7 Edge between 9/8 and 10/9
  • Submit a claim form and copy of receipt online by 10/26/2016
  • Limit 1 per qualifying purchase
  • Takes up to 12 weeks for delivery
  • A free Gear VR is 2016 model (SM-R323NBKAXAR)
  • A VR content bonus is selected by Oculus and may vary – After you create Oculus account, titles of VR content bonus will appear in your account. Make sure to download them by 2/28/2017. Otherwise, free downloads will expire and cost afterward. You will need to purchase them, instead.

See promotions at Samsung.com

How to Play Google Cardboard Apps on Gear VR

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There are many apps and games available for Gear VR from Oculus Store. They are high quality and probably more than enough for you to play. However, Google Cardboard has more apps and games than Oculus, and you may want to play some of them. As you know, when you place your phone on Gear VR, Oculus Home automatically starts up. And whatever you were doing with the phone is shut. So what to do? Here is how to play Google Cardboard apps on Gear VR.

Leave smartphone unplugged (Not Recommended)

It’s very simple. Since Oculus Home starts up when a smartphone is plugged into Gear VR, so why don’t you leave it unplugged? It works, but I can’t recommend this method because a phone is never as secure on the headset as when plugged into the port. You might manage to find a way to secure your phone on the headset, but then it would be hard to place the phone in the center.

CB Enabler for Gear VR

CB Enabler for Gear VRCB Enabler for Gear VRHere is an app that solves all problems. CB Enabler for Gear VR. It costs $0.99. The app can disable a function of an auto-start of Oculus Home. It’s very easy to use. Open the app and tap Cardboard icon. Then open Cardboard app and place your phone on Gear VR. Thanks to the app, Oculus Home won’t start even when the phone is plugged into the port. Plus, a touch pad and back button work! Not to mention that the phone is held on the headset securely and in the best position.

This setting remains until you switch back. So, when you play Gear VR apps, open CB Enabler for Gear VR and tap Gear VR icon beforehand.

Please note that the app may not work if your phone is rooted. Try “Gear VR Cardboard” for rooted phones.

QR Codes to switch viewer

QR Code for Gear VR with S6Each Cardboard headset has different size, lenses, and a distance between. Google Cardboard needs to know things like those by scanning QR code to work best with each headset. The code on the right is for Gear VR (SM-322) with Galaxy S6.

To scan QR code, open Cardboard, and tap dots (setting) at top right corner. Then tap Switch viewer from a popup. Scanner opens automatically and points a camera to the code above.

Conclusion

Apps for Gear VR are growing, and probably you will never be bored with them. But it’s nice to play Cardboard apps on Gear VR because the headset has higher quality and provides much better immersive experiences than cheap cardboard headsets. The leave-it-plugged method is not recommended, rather dangerous. There is a great chance that your phone comes loose, falls and breaks. The app, CB Enabler for Gear VR, costs only $0.99 and spreads Gear VR’s platform.