The Samsung Gear VR has not had any major updates since it debuted back in 2014. However an update of the Gear VR was introduced during the last Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and this time it comes with an all-new handheld controller.

The new Samsung Gear VR and controller is equipped with a barrage of sensors that will let users immerse in VR content without fumbling with the headset's onboard controls. The new controller is the product of collaboration between Samsung and Oculus.

Aside from the usual controls, it has a touchpad, home, back, trigger and volume buttons. The controller also comes with a wrist strap to avoid accidental dropping of the device. However, there is one caveat to this new controller as it was found to be not rechargeable. It requires two AAA batteries that need to be replaced once they are drained out, according to Engadget.

During the past months, Facebook has featured Facebook 360 content on the social media site. Users were able to see the content from all angles by using the mouse and see everything around from a single point. Recently, the social media giant introduced the Facebook 360 video app for use exclusively with the Samsung Gear VR.

According to The Verge, the app is officially the first Facebook-branded VR social app released. However, the report stated that the app is not a full version of the social network. Accordingly, the new app works for 360 videos and photo content found in the user's news feed and timeline. Additionally, general feed from media companies or other sources that the user saves from the feed on desktop or mobile.

Facebook newsroom reported that the company is making 360 videos and photos more immersive with the launch of the app for Samsung Gear VR, as powered by Oculus. Users can now download the app from the Oculus store.

The app features four main feeds. The "Explore" tab gives users a bird's-eye view at 360 content popular across the platform from media companies and content creators. The "Following" tab will allow the user to zone into content being produced by the user's friends.

"Saved," allows users to immerse in 360 content that is seen on the web but with the aid of an immersive in-headset experience. "Timeline" lets users check out their own 360 photos and videos all in one location.

The app allows users to post reactions to content much like normal Facebook posts. They may also share 360 photos and videos. Facebook also announced that more features would soon be incorporated in its first official 360 app.

With almost two billion Facebook users, there can be no doubt that Facebook envisioned bringing their subscribers into the world of VR. It would be interesting to observe how far Facebook 360 and Samsung VR can arouse interest in the multi-media platform.

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Topics Facebook, Samsung gear VR, Oculus