(Part 2) Best products from r/GearVR

I'm sorry, but imo $30 ($23 if you pre-order for July delivery) for the same basic oem type strap is more of a ripoff than helping the community out. You can get a brand new gvr for a few dollars more on Amazon. White gvr is $35, black smr 323 is $39 brand new!

Maybe if these straps had a holster built-in for the controller it'd be better, or the head-top tension cushion of the I.E. But as it stands, this is just a cheap $5 replacement velcro strap with a logo on it, selling for a whopping $30.00, that's nearly the cost of the new motion controller!

It took what, 3 years to finally develop a grossly overpriced $30 piece of velcro strap for the gvr? No thanks! I'd much rather buy a complete cardboard vr viewer under $20, swap straps, then re-sell it or give it away to a lucky friend or family member.

Fyi, a Bobo z4 is a great cardboard hmd, it has a great headstrap AND headphones built-in for $19.99
There's also other cardboard hmd's with better and more comfortable straps to strip from, with a top cushion, and cushion at the back of your head on some.

You can even get a nice looking LEATHER HTC Vive headstrap for about the same price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MPW5Q4E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495202468&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=replacement++vr+strap&dpPl=1&dpID=3169a4C1ayL&ref=plSrch#

You'll find most if you look for "reflective green tape". Most types have a sort of diamond pattern on the tape. I'm guessing this would do: http://www.amazon.com/TapeCase-3277-Green-Reflective-Tape/dp/B007Y7HWMQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453386782&sr=8-2&keywords=reflective+green+tape
This one will most likely work too (better at closerange, worse at distance): http://www.amazon.com/TapeCase-3437-Green-Reflective-Tape/dp/B007Y7IRSY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453386782&sr=8-3&keywords=reflective+green+tape
Don't get the tape that appears to be very lightgreen. Darker green is better. In my limited testing with tapes, without a diamond pattern works better for closerange, but this isn't conclusive and with some adjustment might even work well at large distances. I've improved a lot in the algorithms as well; if you like to test get without diamond pattern as secondary.
Alternatively, get a green light filter, put it over the flash and use plain white/silver reflective material (I've got similar materials in small localshops. The filter you get at officesupplies, the grey/white/silver reflective material from a $5 safety vest or just as tape):
Sample of safety vest; it's not tape but works: http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Visibility-Yellow-Zipper-Reflective/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1453387694&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=safety+vest&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/Reflexite-Brand-Conspicuity-Tape-Diamond/dp/B00LGYS57Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1453387424&sr=8-8&keywords=reflective+tape
http://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Colored-Window-Film-Sample/dp/B00ORVX4RO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453387525&sr=8-3&keywords=green+transparent+film
Don't spend more than a few bucks on the material unless you verified that it works well. It's really all cheap stuff, but people tend to overprice and sell it bulk. A good way to test if the stuff works in store, is to load the apk on your phone and see if it tracks the marker in the store. If you're not shy of compiling, compile the apk with SHOW_CAMERA set to false in Config.java for a good debugging view of reflectivity.
Edit: Also, if you're testing in store, check for return angles. This means if you view at an angle of 45 degrees, see if that works well and so on.

Fair enough. To answer your original question, the S8+ is technically compatible with the 2016 Gear VR but there are some slight fitment issues. The general consensus is that the 1027 2017 version fits and works better, so make sure you can find the model number of the Gear VR and that it matches the 2017 version.

Regarding cellular vs. non-cellular, I use a 2016 version with a carrier-locked Galaxy S7 edge that has the SIM pulled and it only uses WIFI. It works fine. I can't speak to the specific demo model you're talking about as I haven't used it, but it sounds like it should work. If the only difference is that the cellular radio doesn't work, but all other functionality (including Bluetooth and WIFI and the Oculus software) works, you should be fine.

Note that Bluetooth and WIFI being functional will be important. WIFI for downloads and Bluetooth for the remote and for controllers. It's possible that one or both of these will also have been disabled in the demo, so I'd confirm with the seller that both work before proceeding. That said, I've seen store demos that had functional Bluetooth and I'm not sure if it's a separate radio or not. I think it is, because I can put my phone into Airplane mode (disables all radios) and then enable Bluetooth and WIFI while Airplane Mode is still active.
However, given that we're in different markets, I'd still ask the seller first.

For controllers, I recommend the Steelseries Stratus XL or, even better, an Xbox 360 wireless controller. Note that the current version of the Xbox Elite Controller is not bluetooth (uses a dongle) so will not work with Android, so stick with the non-Elite for now. There's supposedly a new version of the Elite controller about to be released that uses Bluetooth instead, but I haven't seen any confirmation on release date as yet.

Good luck!

Edit: typo.

If you are going to package Gear VR with a separate controller as a design target, it's better to aim for quality. The controller you link to doesn't appear to have much more functionality than what's already in the headset (no motion controls, just a thumb stick with four buttons, 2 triggers, 'power', and 'home'?).

Technically, the Gear VR does come with a controller: it's just integrated into the side of the headset. Even the SteelSeries Stratus XL, endorsed by Oculus as I mention below, raised a couple red flags to me as a potential buyer: I'm no stranger to subpar analog components on a premium-priced controller (Ouya owner here), and this can be very annoying to say the least. This in particular:
>Some games work fine but other games just spins the game characters uncontrollably.

is a classic symptom of a shoddy analog component on a controller. No amount of software design can fix cheap or imprecise hardware components if your game calls for a certain level of precision. Second, no clip to hold the phone when playing a non-VR game. Surprisingly enough, I do play games on a phone not just in VR that require a controller and the extendable arm is indispensable to me.

Point being, I prefer not to have companies spend my money for me when there is a list of options available. Or, if they are going to go with a packaged deal in order to present a unified design target, at least make sure it's the very, very best.

That stated, my intuition tells me a game controller is something that benefits from free market competition (a company that chooses to package their product with a peripheral made by a different company is exempting the peripheral from this process). We've had game controllers for long enough to figure out more or less what a controller "is" (hello design target); let the market sort out which one is best.

/2c

You're not going to find a case that you can leave on the phone while it's in the Gear VR, OP. Instead, as others have said, look for a case that the phone can be easily slipped out of when needed, but still offers adequate protection.

Personally, I have a UAG Plasma case on my S8+. It looks and feels great (it's been one of my most favorite phone cases I've ever owned on ANY phone, to be honest), offers great edge protection from all angles, and as it is all one piece I can pop my phone out of it in less than 2 seconds.

Thanks. For anyone interested, this seems to have best speeds for usb flash (obviously external SSD is fastest if they work too): SanDisk Extreme PRO CZ88 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive Speeds Up To 260MB/s

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HR7FWUC

Or even faster updated usb 3.1 version i just saw https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MU8TZRV/

The smaller flash drives seem to be just microSD card housings and so top out well under 100 MB/s write speed, a bit slow for copying 1440p/4K 60fps content.

Also went with a 128GB Samsung Evo Select SD card, much better write speeds than the Samsung Evo+ in the $99 immersive preorder promo.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWZWYVP/

MagicFiber

I bought some when I got my Gear, but I use them for my family's glasses and our phones. I thought all lens clothes were the same, but these clean better with no spray than any others with spray. I can clean most screens/lenses without any spray, but if it's super dirty, you can use spray with them as well. And they can be handwashed when they need to be.

They certainly do but weight might be an issue I think. The lightest solution I can think of is a small 5v fan like this pulled from an old video card or something wired to a battery pack (2 or 3 AAs). A few aluminium L brackets and some velcro should do it. Could even wire in a switch or a potentiometer to control it. I have a 1.5"x1.5" 5v fan here and it weighs 26g. Won't spin at 3v though :(.

USB fans would be quite a bit heavier. This one is 90g There's already half a kilo (1.1 lbs) hanging off my face and it's already pretty uncomfortable for me due to my "roman nose". Need to sew a thicker pad methinks.

You can get an SM-R323 for about 30 bucks or so: http://amzn.to/2B9zgoA or http://amzn.to/2hFDjQZ

Or an SM-324, which comes bundled with the Gear VR controller, for about 50 bucks or so: http://ebay.to/2hI6anU or http://ebay.to/2zUxPfv

Or you could get the SM-R323 and buy the controller separately: http://amzn.to/2zVU6K6

It's a great addition to the platform. A must have really if you want to see it at its best.

I bought this controller. It works really well and I'm happy with it. I've not had any problems. There are probably many others that are just as good and cost less (or more even).

I also got a usb battery back to power the headset while playing. I also plug in ear buds for sound.

I've not really found a game I really enjoy yet, but I've not played with it all that much. Depending on the games you play, you might want to sit on a chair that swivels.

I got one of these and am pretty happy with it. It's small enough to fit in the GearVR pouch.

Thank you for the replies. You can switch the controller into different modes via a button combination. None of them work with the game. The buttons work outside the game though (ie select). Here's the controller for reference:
http://www.amazon.com/Snakebyte-iDroid-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Controller/dp/B0090WBXSM/

It has great reviews, so hopefully there is a fix to get this working. Any other ideas, please post!

I have a snakebyte, works great as a generic bluetooth controller. Hopefully it works.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/Snakebyte-iDroid-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Controller/dp/B0090WBXSM

Hey. That looks like the same one to me. I got this one from Amazon because I'm in the UK. Weirdly it's gone way up in price since I bought it 3 days ago. I got it for £48 + free shipping.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017WA5VI6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It does have a Micro USB port on the bottom that I assume is for charging. I haven't actually tried to use it yet, though, as the overheating issue sets in long before battery issues come into play and I have a quick charger so having low battery isn't really an issue.

Cut a hole in the front cover using a hole cutter and a drill and tie wrapped the fan in place, then velcro strapped the USB battery backup in the back which provides better weight balancing.

80mm USB fan:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019ORFSD8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB battery backup:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DBK6IPQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not to phone, to a high speed usb 3.0 drive like sandisk extreme pro, with the OTG adapter that comes with the S8. Gets better speeds than an SD card.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HR7FWUC/

Or slightly faster:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MU8TZRV/

I'm 100% getting it now. Can you tell the difference between these two on Amazon? I noticed the model numbers are different but can't see anything else (other than the price). Just want to make sure I get the most recent version.

Link 1 and Link 2

Thanks, I am going to get these, should be okay?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01EL4PVFE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485301632&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=usb+c+adaptors&dpPl=1&dpID=41mE0IcPLLL&ref=plSrch

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

UAG Plasma

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

This case works great for the Gear VR a controller a charger and some small ear buds. Not enough room for over ear headphones though. But it's padded and lite.
http://www.amazon.com/Dakine-Lunch-Box-Peat-Camo/dp/B00WO2RBZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449708264&sr=8-1&keywords=Dakine+Lunch+Box

Sure, for the adapter:
https://smile.amazon.de/gp/product/B01DPLRPZ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and for the fan:
https://smile.amazon.de/gp/product/B003XN24GY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0YDS2A/ref=twister_B01N6J9DAW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

makes sense to sell it cheaper than what they sell on Amazon or maybe better keep it ?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BG2EJYS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_M7qkxb81XYBXV

It's easy to apply and you won't have to worry about scratches on the screen.

I have this one and it works fine with GearVR.

IQ Shield® LiQuidSkin - Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Screen Protector [Full Coverage] & Lifetime Warranty - HD Ultra Clear Film - Protective Guard - Extremely Smooth / Self-Healing / Bubble-Free Shield https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BG2EJYS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_Xbh5wb7J255YS

Yes, exactly. But I think I would prefer something more like this: Amazon Link
I'm thinking that the dongle with the cable between the ends might swing around and work its way loose if used while in VR. The one piece unit might be preferable.

I bought this one and it's arriving today. I'll let you know if it's good when it arrives.

Saw some conversation about controllers in here. I just discovered last night the ouya controller from the ouya game console works Great! http://www.amazon.com/OUYA-Wireless-Controller/dp/B002I0GX38
Started Dread halls, walked a few feet and... I chickened out... again:)

Bought the SteelSeries Free for $20 about a week ago. Gouging over $30 is nuts!
It's a greeat little controller though:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AOFNU4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

These changed my way of seeing microfiber as just some simple cloth you could get anywhere:

http://www.amazon.com/Pack-MagicFiber-Microfiber-Cleaning-Cloths/dp/B0050R67U0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451975626&sr=8-1&keywords=magic+fiber

I got one just for the fun of it, but one quick wipe on my lens and i was blown away. Never going back to regular microfibers.

I was going to recommend this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AOFNU4/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=

But i have no idea why its so expensive, I ordered mine in December. It may be discontinued now?

I'd get these to wipe the lenses with. I got them based off the superior Amazon reviews, and have yet to be disappointed. They are so tightly knit that you can wipe the lenses, and then shake or brush the dust off that you collected from the cloth.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050R67U0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It looks nearly identical to this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Wireless-Controller-Smartphone-Playstation-3/dp/B019H5II8Y

Strange.

I just bought a gear today as well as a controller and they'll be here in a couple of days too.

This controller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019H5II8Y/ref=pd_aw_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=414Q8ILmO5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=MNXKGVR69DM126JJ2DZW

It's on sale and reviews say it works with S7 and gear vr. Haven't been able to confirm these though. Word of warning is that it supposedly is a little confusing trying to set it up at first.