Samsung joins virtual reality arena as Galaxy Note 4 is unveiled

Samsung has taken its first steps into the virtual reality market by announcing its own headset. At the technology giant’s Unpacked event at the IFA technology show in Berlin, the Korean firm introduced the headset—the product of a partnership with VR company Oculus, which was purchased by Facebook earlier this year for US$2 billion. It was a day of several big announcements for Samsung, as the much-rumoured Galaxy Note 4 was also unveiled.

You have to admire Samsung’s relentless stream of new products, be it smartphones and tablets at all price tiers or the volley of smartwatches that have been released over the last 12 months.

Ben Wood, chief of research at mobile experts CCS Insight

Galaxy Note 4 has an improved interface, including a new multi-window feature that enables users to minimise and resize different screens on their phones for multitasking in much the same way you would on a desktop computer. The device will go on sale next month. A special edition of the Note was the shock announcement of the press conference, with the Note Edge—with a screen that curves around the phone on one side—being showcased for the first time. The technology is something that has appeared in several fan concepts for the upcoming iPhone 6, however, Samsung has gotten there first.

The Note 4’s improved stylus—the S Pen—offers a different user experience for those looking for something fresh.

Rob Kerr, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com

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