Oculus issues advisory against using the Gear VR with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7
With the Galaxy Note 7 recall already in play in the US and several other regions, Samsung isn't having the best of times this year. Now, Oculus too is warning Gear VR users to not use the Galaxy Note 7 with it, until they get a replacement unit. The company has issued an official email warning users.
If you aren't in the know, the Gear VR is a product of collaboration between Samsung and Oculus. The new Gear VR was offered free with the Galaxy Note 7 in several regions and comes with a wider field of view, a better touch navigation system, better padding and is also lighter. Moreover, you can use the new Gear VR with previous gen Galaxy or Note flagships by using a micro-USB adapter which also comes within the box.
It's good to see Samsung take such a quick action in consumer interest even though this recall is supposed to cost them about $1 Billion. Now, just as a word of caution, if you have a Galaxy Note 7 (apart from in China), you should contact the store you purchased it from and start the replacement or return process. The US recall has already started with T-Mobile giving full refunds, while other carriers are providing a replacement within a week or another Galaxy smartphone.
Samsung had shipped 2.5 Million Galaxy Note 7 devices around the world, and only about 24 on a scale of one million are said to be affected by the battery issue. But you should still side with caution and get a replacement which Samsung is doing willingly.