Samsung VR headset to take on Oculus Rift

Samsung is said to be looking into the virtual reality space, with a headset to compete with Oculus Rift and Sony's Project Morpheus.

Sources 'close to Samsung' told Engadget that a selection of developers already have a prototype headset to experiment with, which is powered by the Korean manufacturer's flagship devices such as the Galaxy S5.

However, a consumer version of the headset will only work with as-yet-unannounced Samsung smartphones and tablets so we can presume the VR product will launch alongside the next generation of Galaxy devices, just as the Galaxy Gear launched alongside the Galaxy Note 3 in September 2013.

According to speculation on the Engadget website, the Samsung VR headset is likely to include an OLED screen with a wired connection to your smartphone or tablet. Like Oculus Rift and Sony's Project Morpheus, it's thought the headset will track your head movement through two cameras - one that faces the player and another that tracks depth.

Samsung also wants to undercut its competitors, according to sources, meaning we could see a much more affordable option in comparison to the $350 (210) you'll have to shell out for Oculus Rift.

It would seem Samsung will be marketing its headset at gamers rather than any other market, but it could have some important future uses in military and medical applications, taking onboard some of the use cases of Google Glass in the public service sector.

There have been rumours of Samsung launching its own version of Google's Glass wearable tech, but Engadget thinks this is a separate product to the virtual reality headset.

Unsurprisingly, Samsung wouldn't comment on whether it's working on a virtual reality headset, but it's thought if the device is launched this year, it will probably coincide with the launch of the rumoured Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at September's IFA in Berlin.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.