Among the wearable devices presented in recent days, there are only those on the wrist like smartwatch. And now, there is also Samsung Gear VR for augmented reality created by the Korean manufacturer in collaboration with the team working on Oculus Rift.

This week, the first virtual reality glasses from Samsung finally went on sale for $200 (not including the smartphone) and $250 with a game controller. However, this version Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition is still in beta and is an unfinished product designed for content creators and enthusiasts.

According to the description on the Samsung website, the VR helmet provides a 360-degree panoramic views for virtual gaming, watching videos and images. In addition, the device has a touch-control functions and supports applications from the Oculus VR online store. To experience the full range of virtual reality owners should have the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone as the Gear VR is not currently compatible with other devices. The smartphone connects to the wearable device via microUSB connection.

“I think this is a great experience that we can deliver for under $200,” said Max Cohen, the head of mobile at Oculus, in an interview with GamesBeat. “This is incredibly affordable if you already have a Galaxy Note 4.”

Recall that the official Samsung Gear VR was announced in September, but active talk about virtual reality glasses from the Korean electronics manufacturer began in July. The Innovator Edition version is designed for content creators who are interested in early access to the device before the version for the mass market, as well as the most loyal fans of virtual reality technology.

Ready for the masses?

In preparation for the release of virtual reality glasses, Samsung promised to release a large number of optimized content, including 3D-movies and games. And now according to Samsung, buyers will be able to play about 20 apps such as HeroBound (genre – adventure), Anshar Wars (multiplayer shooter), theBlu (study of underwater life) and others.

The Gear VR comes with a 16GB card and comes pre-loaded with a handful of games developed including Temple Run VR by Imangi Studios, Land’s End by USTWO, VR Quest, HeroBound, Anshar Wars, and theBlu. A sample of the famous Cirque du Soleil show, Zarkana filmed and viewable in 3D 360° can also be downloaded through Oculus. The first applications are free but new paid apps will be available from next year. Samsung representatives ensure that this is not just a simple market test and the group is looking at the same time developing an ecosystem of content and applications.

The VR going to need more software and contents before it’s really ready for the masses. Samsung and Oculus expect that there will be 30 to 40 apps available in a matter of weeks but that is not enough content for a wide consumer launch.

“If this was something you wanted to sell millions of units for, you’d want to have either higher-investment content—something you can sit and play for 20 to 30 hours, like launch content on the consoles—or just a lot of really good content.” Cohen said.

In addition, Cohen believes that success for Gear VR is not being measured by the number of units. It’s being measured on enthusiasm and a VR system that can work on all the platform.

Gear VR Innovator Edition is currently for sale on the website of Samsung in the US and that of AT&T but Oculus says it will expand to some other countries in January, with further worldwide availability through 2015.

Image credit: Samsung Gear VR, http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/wearable-tech/SM-R320NPWSXAR