Tickle Me Elmo, a Rubik’s Cube, a Red Ryder Bee Bee Gun, an iPad, and Mr. Potatohead. This Christmas, one product will be welcomed into the mythical company of these five historic gifts as the most coveted present of the 2015 holiday season. As December kicks off this week, the throne is still for the taking with several toys and gadgets making strong bids for the top spot. The Hoverboard360 seems to be all the rage at the moment, cluttering the Internet with clips of nearly everyone you could think of taking the boards for a spin (Cam Newton, Justin Bieber, babies, old men falling, fat people, etc.).
However, while the Hoverboard may be the current front-runner, Samsung is looking to cash in on a little Christmas magic as they make their late game holiday push with the release of the Samsung Gear VR, the first consumer friendly virtual reality headset on the market. The buzz around virtual reality has existed for some time now, and experts believe that—with the release of the Gear VR— Samsung stands at the precipice of what will definitely be the next frontier in the world of technology.
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The device is only compatible with Samsung phones, but reviews have already raved that the headset is exciting enough to influence other smartphone users to convert from Apple or Droids to the Samsung camp. Powered by Oculus, the Samsung Gear VR is guaranteed to be on the cutting edge of virtual reality. The headset is one of the first wireless VR devices, making it easy to use and transport anywhere. While all of these features are reason enough to gift the Gear VR this Christmas, what makes the product so groundbreaking is its price: $99. Never before has a VR headset been this affordable for the general public. It will be interesting to see how consumers react to the product.
Even more interesting is how the sports world will react to the Gear VR. Samsung boasts of the impact their product has already in test runs: “[T]his fall, lucky sports fans have enjoyed two new opportunities that have brought sports entertainment to the next level—completely enveloped in the action, in 360 degree virtual reality, thanks to the Samsung Gear VR. In September, a professional football game was broadcast live in virtual reality, and then at the end of October, surf enthusiasts were able to watch a surfing competition, all using the cutting-edge Gear VR. Yes, it’s been a good year for the Gear VR, and now sports fans, too, are getting the chance to see what the next generation of media is all about.” Fans at each testing praised the headset, touting their experiences with comments like “It really works. I really feel like I’m on the pitch. Look, it’s Casillas (FC Porto goalkeeper) just in front of me!”
The NBA has already partnered with Verizon and their go90 app that will allow fans to stream live games on the go from their smart phones. Samsung users will immediately have the luxury of watching games and interacting online with the NBA in virtual reality. Until now, most people could only imagine how intense a live basketball game would be courtside; however, the Gear VR has made it possible for fans across the globe to enjoy the game they love as if they were right there.
Depending on the outcome of the NBA’s mobile streaming endeavor, most major sports will surely follow in suit, creating mobile streaming platforms of their own, and making VR viewing a possibility for their leagues as well. Teams could cater specific content to VR users such as highlights or arena footage.
On the 1st of December, nothing is set in stone, but the Samsung Gear VR has potential to take the holiday season by storm, and quite possibly be inducted into the annals of Classic Christmas Gifts for eternity.