Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7 were each unveiled alongside a Gear VR headset back in 2016.
While the two Samsung Gear VR models launched last year were only different in that one was compatible with a microUSB port while the other was compatible with a USB-C port, the incoming version will also be very similar to these two, but the front cover for holding the Galaxy S8 will be different. Of course, with the S8 expected to ditch microUSB in favor of USB-C, the Gear VR 2017 should also be compatible with this latest connectivity standard.
Leaked by WinFuture’s Roland Quandt, the alleged Samsung Gear VR 2017 will reportedly come with a dedicated single-hand controller and from the leaked images, there is room for accommodating the said controller on the 2017 Samsung Gear VR headset. If this is true, the upcoming Gear VR 2017 will have borrowed a leaf from what Google did last year with the launch of the Daydream View VR headset. The handheld controller can be used for menu navigation as well as playing games.
Now, with this 2017 Samsung Gear VR headset expected to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S8 and S8+ towards the end of March, new details have emerged from the FCC. Apparently, the organization has certified the one-handed controller with model number ET-YO324.
As usual with FCC listings, there are no other vital details that are provided by the report as far as specs are concerned. However, the included sketch should shed some light on the Samsung Gear VR 2017 controller’s design, however, don’t be surprised if the final design ends up to something quite different from what is in the sketches.
The fact that the FCC has certified this Gear VR 2017 controller is enough to confirm that it will be available in the U.S. market. With Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ set to be launched on March 29, it is a no-brainer that a new VR headset will also accompany the two, just like last year.