Is this the new Samsung Gear 360? FCC filing suggests the consumer 360 camera is on its way.
We are two weeks out from Samsung’s March 29th Unpacked event where the company is expected to launch their new Galaxy S8 mobile device. But at the same time, we could see the unveiling of an updated Gear 360 camera according to a new FCC filing published today.
The filing confirms that the new version of the Gear 360 camera will have the model number SM-R210 and according to a diagram, likely accidentally published in the document, looks to be getting a new design and more compact form factor.
The diagram shows a significant reduction in size, made possible by adding an integrated handle/stand that likely includes the battery and data storage. In comparison, last year’s Gear 360 model had a detachable stand, with the entire camera system built into the dual-lens sphere device.
Popping up on the FCC’s equipment authorization database Wednesday, the published documents include a slew of Samsung reports and tests required by the company when applying for certification of new hardware. A Samsung spokesperson VRScout reached out to for comment responded with, “we do not comment on unannounced products.”
Likely included in the FCC application but not made available in these public documents due to a “Request for Confidentiality” are additional diagrams of the device, operational descriptions, schematics, photos, and the user manual.
Samsung first released the Gear 360 consumer 360-degree camera last Summer for a price of $349, where we saw a limited release during VidCon and Lollapalooza, eventually following up with a wide consumer release on August 19th. In many ways at the time, the Gear 360 camera was a game changer for consumers, with all the necessary stitching performed by a Samsung device using the Gear 360 Manager app or Samsung’s Gear 360 Action Director software for PC that was included with the camera. Also, real-time preview of stitched footage on your phone made composing your shot and watching your stitch line a breeze, exporting out in 4K. All for the price of $349. The camera has been a favorite for journalists in the field from news organizations we’ve talked to like Vice, The New York Times, and RYOT.
With the timing of Samsung’s FCC application, we will likely expect to hear more about the new Gear 360 camera soon, which could be as soon as the Samsung Unpacked event in New York and London.
Last month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Samsung announced a brand-new Gear VR, powered by Oculus, and revealed a Gear VR Controller that lets you interact with VR games and experiences. The Gear VR Controller lets you interact with the virtual environment in an intuitive way, with the controller’s touchpad allowing you to navigate your favorite videos and perform a number of actions within a game. There is also a trigger that will let you select, grab, take aim, and fire.
Image Credit: VRScout & Samsung
