Samsung Is Working On VR-optimized Smartphones, Reports Say
As one of the early adopters of developing VR technology for the mainstream consumer, South Korean electronics giant Samsung is reportedly working on developing a new series of flagship smartphones that are optimized for virtual reality experiences.
Recent rumors say that Samsung plans to launch a new series of VR-optimized smartphones and have them commercially released before the end of this year. According to tech analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray, the new line of Samsung smartphones for VR will be named Samsung Galaxy O. In addition, the two new models to be included in the series are currently codenamed as SM-G550 and SM-G600. The new phones will then be more commercially known as Galaxy O5 and Galaxy O7 respectively when they launch. This new line of smartphones from Samsung could be the result of its corporate ties with Oculus Rift, as seen in the Samsung Gear VR headset. By collaboratively developing VR technology for consumers, Samsung and Oculus are expected to label these upcoming smartphones as dedicated devices for the consumption of virtual reality content.
Munster says in the leaked reports, “We believe Oculus in combination with Samsung could either launch a new phone series for VR as they are rumored to be releasing the O Series or, alternatively (but unlikely), it could be an all in one wireless VR headset. Potential advantages for stepping away from phones to an all in one headset are: custom screens with higher resolution, custom GPU and custom optics.”
As of now, there is little knowledge known about the technical specifications and detailed features of the upcoming Samsung smartphones. The only technical detail circulating the web is that the Galaxy O5 may come with a 5-inch display while the Galaxy O7 will be bigger with a 5.5-inch display.
Starting late 2014, Samsung started improving their smartphone naming system by grouping all its new launches under new series named after alphabets. After the announcement of the Galaxy O series, Samsung would have 6 series of smartphones: Galaxy J, Galaxy E, Galaxy A, Galaxy O, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Note.
Oculus is expected to hold its annual Connect2 event on September 23-25. Munster believes that the Samsung Galaxy O5 and O7 smartphones could be unveiled during this event.
For more information on Samsung’s VR smartphone developments, please visit the following websites:
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2015/08/18/facebook-oculus-could-offer-holiday-pre-orders-of-vr-headset-says-piper/
http://www.sammobile.com/2015/08/17/exclusive-samsung-galaxy-o-series-of-smartphones-is-coming/
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Report-Samsung-Galaxy-O-could-be-VR-centric-smartphone-designed-with-Oculus-Rift_id72861
