Samsung Gear VR (2016) is now available to pre-order

Samsung Gear VR 

The Samsung Gear VR (2016), which was unveiled alongside the Galaxy Note7 earlier this month, is now available to pre-order. Amazon is currently accepting pre-orders for the device, which sets you back $100 and starts shipping August 19.

To refresh, the new version of the Samsung Gear VR features various improvements over the original model, including a new deep ink blue color, a bump in total field of view to 101 degrees, extended device compatibility, as well as support for both micro USB and USB Type-C.

' I'm on a skateboard cruising down a highway with some friends. We are beginning to pick up some serious speed, but then I remember none of this is real. I'm actually standing awkwardly on a gyrating skateboard inside of a flashy New York City hotel with a virtual reality headset strapped to my face.

I'm here testing out Samsung's new Gear VR headset. I take off the headset and begin to examine it. The all-black design is appealing, but what's more exciting is the device sitting on the inside. It's the new Galaxy Note 7, which is connected to the headset's USB-C port -- a new feature this year. I see this and immediately begin to wonder: Does this mean the new VR headset won't support older models? Luckily this isn't the case, as the headset ships with a dongle that makes it compatible with older Samsung devices.

The USB-C port isn't the only new feature. There's also a wider viewing angle, better navigation, more face padding and an all black paint job. Perhaps even more appealing is the price. The new Gear VR will begin shipping on August 19 for $99, £80 or AU$159, which is the same price as last year's model. Preorders start tomorrow.' says Dan Graziano 

What's it like to use it?

The new Gear VR is just as good as last year's model. While Samsung quickly pointed out the expanded viewing angles, I didn't notice them during my brief hands on -- but I never had a problem with the angles before. I also didn't wear it long enough to see if the increased padding made it any more comfortable. It just kind of felt the same.

The Oculus Home button is my favorite feature. You previously had to press and hold the back button to get back home (something I only figured out recently). The new home button makes it easier to jump in and out of an app.

You can check out GSMArena detailed Gear VR (2016) hands-on here.