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Last Updated on November 19, 2021 by Editor Futurescope
Netflix has been a close ally to us, entertainment lovers, for quite a while. So deep is your love for films and movies that you often think of having a movie theater in your house. The desire is shared amongst almost all lovers of movies and series. It is this love that drove Samsung and Oculus to come together and invent the Samsung Gear VR.
This virtual reality headset brings virtual reality to your cell phone wherever you are. The virtual reality offered by this device will give you the long-desired getaway from everyday life. If you didn’t know that you can enjoy high-class entertainment through your phones, here comes the news! Below is a broken-down guide on how to get Gear VR working on your phone.
If you are ready to take your movie experience to the next level, stick with me. I will be showing you how to watch Netflix on Gear VR whether you are using Android or Apple iOS devices.
How to install the Netflix app on your smartphone
To enjoy all the 3D movies Netflix has to offer, you need to have installed the official Netflix app on your smartphone. If you already have the app installed, proceed to the next steps outlined in the article. If not, let’s get you started.
Netflix works on all Android devices with an Android version of 2.3 and above. However, the new version of Netflix is only compatible with Android devices of Android version 5 and later. Getting Netflix running on your android device is an easy 9 step process. However, the steps might vary a little depending on the manufacturer setting of your phone. If you face any problems, visit the official website of your phone manufacturer.
Here is the process:
- Open your phones home screen
- Open the Play Store App
- On the search bar, type Netflix
- Select the first search result. It should be the official Netflix app.
- Tap to download
- Tap the install button. A ‘successfully installed’ notification should pop up on your notification bar.
- Exit the Play Store app and locate the newly installed Netflix App.
- Launch the Netflix App.
- Follow the sign-up prompts to create an account and set up your Netflix membership. If you already had a Netflix account, enter your email and password to sign in to your account.
Note: Your phone must have an active internet connection, either through cellular data or Wi-Fi. Also, the Netflix app might require you to grant permission for the app to access your phone’s microphone. This facilitates a smooth connection with Netflix customer care if need be.
Netflix is a safe app, and there is no need to sign out from the account. Netflix will not interfere with the normal functioning of your phone. The app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The app sends prompts for the user to update it when need be.
How to watch Netflix Movies/Series on Gear VR
To watch Netflix movies on Gear VR, you need to connect your Gear VR to your Netflix account. To have a successful Netflix-Gear VR connection, you need to be signed in to your Netflix account via your phone. Also, you need an Oculus app installed on your phone to facilitate the connection. The app works together with the Gear VR headset. Also, the app enables the following services;
- The installation and use of VR apps remotely
- Management and browsing of the VR apps.
- Customization of VR device settings
- The casting of VR experience on your phone
- Setting up a quest or go headset.
- Notifies you of recent sales and upcoming releases
Your device must be running on android version 5.0 or later or Apple iOS 10 or later to get the app. For Android device users download the app by going to oculus.com/app and following the onscreen instruction. The process will guide you on how to download and install the Oculus app. You can get the app onPlay Store and Apple store, free. Follow the steps on downloading the Netflix app to get the Oculus app from the mentioned stores.
For android phones
Below are the steps to connect Gear VR and Netflix on Android Phones.
- Make sure that your phone is on the home screen.
- Search for and launch the Oculus app.
- Put your phone in the Gear viewer mode.
- If the Oculus app is in library mode, tap the three dots in the upper-left corner of the screen to access the drop-down menu.
- Select store mode from the dropped menu
- Tap the search bar or magnifying glass icon and search for Netflix.
- Finish the prompted Netflix installation process.
Once the installation is done, the connection is already set for some movie time!
FOR iPhones
Samsung Gear VR is not compatible with Apple iOS devices. iOS devices have no active virtual reality provider. Although Apple products have been offering cutting-edge competition in the industry, their main focus is to bring reality closer to the user other than virtual reality.
However, the Google Cardboard app offers some apps that allow some VR in Apple products. The VR experience is, however, not as fulfilling in comparison to VR on android devices. Little head and body movements are some of the things that make VR in Apple smoother. All VR headsets available for Apple products are derived from Google cardboards.
For Oculus VR headsets
Netflix has an app that allows users to stream movies/series in virtual reality. The app supports various types of virtual reality headsets such as Oculus lift and Oculus Quest 2. To set up the Oculus headset for a virtual reality experience; follow these simple steps:
- Locate and launch your Oculus app on your phone.
- Search for the Netflix app.
- Install the app.
- You are all set!
The Oculus Quest App is the same as the Netflix Oculus Rift App and operates the same too. The Netflix Virtual reality experience is available in two formats: the living room and void formats. The living room mode is activated once you sit upright while using the headset. To switch between the living room and void mode, lie on your back, look up at the ceiling, click on the void theater and enjoy.
How is the Netflix VR experience
If the reviews given by consumers on the Netflix VR experience are anything to go by, the experience is memorable and more. Of course, the customer is king, so honest reviews matter to decide the success of any project. Credited review came up with the following observations on the Netflix VR experience;
Virtual reality practically gives the user a personal living room/ movie theater to chill and get lost in its thrill. For film lovers who treasure their personal space, this would be the perfect entertainment accessory. The video stream is crystal clear; despite the resolution being limited to 720*480, the quality color production made up for the want. The experience is best equated to watching a 1080p HD film on an 80 inch TV screen. The subtitles are clear with no strain to the eyes.
If you decided to use the living room display mode, you would find yourself sitting upright on a plush sofa, enjoying your film from a television screen mounted on the wall in your living room. The void mode will have you watching your movie from a blank space, in whatever position you deem best.
Shortcomings of watching Netflix Movies on Gear VR
The Netflix- Samsung- Oculus partnership is a dream come true for lovers of virtual entertainment. Other than facilitating up close Virtual reality entertainment, the Gear VR brings other advantages to the table. The virtual environment created also enables the user to browse and view the browsing results. However, this epic innovation comes with several shortcomings such as;
The content is not displayed in HD. Although the film industry has grown and it is possible to access very high-quality videos such as HD and 4K, the Samsung Gear VR cannot offer this. The content is displayed in the essential quality, 720*480, which is relatively low compared to other ultra HD video modes. This is, however, for the long-term enjoyment of quality Netflix content for you through data protection.
Also, the weight of the first-gen VR gear might not be comfortable for the user to use for a long continuous period.
In addition, viewers who love the jest that come with group movie watching are deprived of this luxury due to the device’s ‘personal living room’ concept.
Conclusion
Virtual reality has just begun! What we are all looking at is the endless list of possibilities with virtual reality. There is enormous room for growth. For instance, with Apple not yet fully booked into virtual reality, we have more innovations we are looking forward to seeing. Better and lighter Headsets are also being created in the process. We are all hopeful that the next generation of virtual reality gear will eliminate the shortcomings associated with the current generation. Before the time comes, though, enjoy the Netflix VR experience!
