Post 1. How does Samsung's New Virtual Reality Work?

WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY ?

Virtual reality, or VR, is defined on the tech site cnet.com as "a computer generated environment that lets you experience a different reality". These devices that go over your head and eyes and take you into "another world" can range from the $5 Google Cardboard that works with your phone to give you a simple, visual virtual reality experience, to the $799 HTC Vive that allows you to reach out an grab objects in your virtual world. The newest (to my knowledge) smartphone-based virtual reality device available to the masses is the Samsung Gear VR.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THE NEW SAMSUNG GEAR?

The new Samsung Gear VR is sold for $99 and straps on to your Samsung brand phone to give you a virtual experience that is higher quality than similar products for smartphones (and it also works for people with eyeglasses!). The device allows you to see in a 96-degree field of view and has 3D sound to give you a full virtual reality experience.

HOW DO I USE THIS DEVICE?

Basically, to use this device you simply place your phone into the device and close the top. Then, you put the gear on (see the picture at the top!) and experience the comfort that Samsung promises with its foam cushioning and light weight.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS DEVICE? 

The device comes with video apps, games, and more readily available on the Oculus store.  The games and apps are controlled through the use of a controller (pictured below).

                                       

HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO COMPUTER SCIENCE?

This new virtual reality gear depends completely on computer science (input, algorithms, and output) to work and combines the areas of graphics, software engineering, and networks, as well as other applied computer science areas. The device must quickly and adequately compute, store data, process information, and communicate with other devices (the phone and the controller). 




Info and pictures from: 
http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/gear-vr/
http://www.techinsider.io/new-samsung-gear-vr-is-surprisingly-inexpensive-2015-9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science
http://www.androidcentral.com/five-things-you-need-know-about-samsung-gear-vr#slide6
http://www.cnet.com/special-reports/vr101/