Let’s Unbox the Gear VR Already

After much anticipation and excitement built around the Samsung Gear VR, it’s available in a number of markets including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Australia.* Well, we were able get our hands on this years’ ticket item, the Gear VR Innovator Edition (U.S. Version). It was not particularly easy to get, seeing as every available unit was sold out on the first day.

The box itself is a clean, simple design with an image of the Gear VR on the top lid. Once opened, you will find a black case and another white, smaller box. The black case will be housing your new Gear VR, preventing any harm or damage to your favorite piece of technology, and the smaller white box will contain the remaining contents such as the user’s guide and extra foam cushioning. The extra foam cushion is an added precautionary in case you wear the first foam cushion out from excessive use and enjoyment.

The Samsung Gear VR box contains the following contents:

– Gear VR (1)

– micro SD Card (1)

– Wiping cloth (1)

– Head Strap (1)

– User’s Guide (1)

– Extra foam cushion (1)

– Carrying case (1)

The Gear VR micro SD card comes pre-loaded with VR content. Once you install the micro SD into the Galaxy Note 4, you will immediately have access to Cirque du Soleil, movie trailers, as well as interact with game demos and panoramic images. It is recommended that you use the included wipe to clean the surface of the Galaxy Note 4 to maximize your visual experience.

Looking at the device you will notice a cover on the front of the Gear VR. You will need to detach this in order to insert the Galaxy Note 4. The cover’s purpose is to protect your Note 4 while you are wearing the device. You can see the volume key, touchpad and a back key on the right side of the device, and a focus adjustment wheel on the top of the device. Once you detach the front cover, you’ll see a USB connector and a phone lock key on each side. If you take a look at the inside of the Gear VR, you can see foam cushioning, proximity sensor, two lenses and a securing slot for the head strap.

Installing the head strap is pretty intuitive and self-explanatory. First, carefully insert the hook (from the top head strap) into the front bar of the Gear VR, the hook will snap once secured. Then slide the opposite end of the top head strap through the hole on the back of the main strap to secure the strap.

One thing you’ll notice is that just like your smartphone, you’ll need to take off some plastic protectors/covers when you take it straight out of the box. They are there to prevent from any scratches from occuring while the Gear VR is being delivered to you. In all, there a total of 18 protective film stickers that will need to be removed (we counted). It is advised that you peel the protective film off of the lenses as well for clearer visibility.

That concludes the unboxing of the Gear VR. The upcoming segment, will go over how to set up the Gear VR, so you can jump right into the virtual reality!

* As of February 5, 2015

** All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.