Samsung Gear VR gets new app to bring 360-degree videos

Samsung

The Milk VR video app made for Samsung Gear VR was announced by the South Korean consumer and electronics giant on Tuesday, making 360-degree video viewing using the new device possible. According to the announcement, Samsung will offer free video content for all users of Gear VR through the Milk VR service, an extension of the Milk Video service that Samsung earlier released together with Milk Music. 

The announcement was made via Twitter, but the details about this app are still under wraps. Nonetheless, there are reports claiming that the Milk videos will run up to 10 minutes, and it will be offered in both 4K and 2K video formats. 

Samsung revealed their virtual reality headset back in September, and was released in the U.S. last Dec. 8. The device is said to be released in other areas this year. 

Based on the description of the device: "Powered by Oculus technology, the Samsung Gear VR delivers a completely new way to experience and consume mobile content." 

It means that the South Korean company and Oculus both contributed to come up with this product, wherein Samsung provides the hardware while Oculus offers the software for the device. It works with the Snapdragon variants of the Galaxy Note 4 smartphone. 

"The Samsung Gear VR goes far beyond expectations of how mobile technology can be used to consume content, and is a powerful representation of the progressive innovation of the Gear series. We are pleased to have partnered with Oculus VR to bring this incredibly immersive mobile content experience to consumers," stated JK Shin, Samsung Electronics President and CEO of UT and Mobile Communications Division. 

Meanwhile, there are reports that twelve movies and other media installations are produced for either the Oculus Rift, Gear VR, or Google Cardboard that will be shown during the Sundance Film Festival for the New Frontiers category. The event will be held this month. 

Samsung Gear VR is being sold for $199.99.