Samsung initially launched the Gear VR, alongside the Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge, and Gear S, on September 3rd at its UNPACKED 2014 Episode 2 event in Berlin, Germany. However, it still hasn't reached to the masses yet. The Gear VR has gone on sale only in the US, through Samsung and Best Buy's online store, and in some European countries.
However, starting from the 8th of February, you will be able to try and buy a Gear VR in 100 selected Best Buy stores nationwide in the US, according to our awesome US-based elite friends. Each Best Buy store will be given two Galaxy Note 4s with Gear VR retail mode preinstalled. Only one device will be used at a time, the second one will be on charging. So, as soon as the first unit gets low on charge, the demo staff will replace it with the second Note 4.
This is actually a test program by the Korean firm to obtain feedback. If it gets enough positive response, it will be expanding the program to more Best Buy stores and, vice-versa. Samsung's main goal with this program is to use the Gear VR to sell the Note 4, and drive their ecosystem.
There will be four key demos preinstalled on the Note 4s:
– Milk VR: The user will be able to choose a video to watch
– TheBlu: If the user wants a game-like experience
– Transformers: If the user wants to experience a movie in virtual reality
– 360 Photos: Simply because 360-degree pictures are awesome
Each demo will last for 3 minutes. There are some rules, which the demo staff is obligated to obey. Firstly, they won't be able to play any other content except the one approved by Samsung HQ, they won't allow anyone under the age of 13 to try the virtual reality headset, they must get the customer to sit on a chair before starting with the demoing process, and they are restricted to only support carrier devices – no Wi-Fi-only models.
The VR headset will be priced at US$199. If you haven't experienced virtual reality before, make sure you clear up some space on your calendar and do visit a Best Buy store for a demo; it's amazing!
