Watching movies and series gives you an immersive experience.
Let’s find out how you can watch Netflix on Gear VR.
How to Watch Netflix on Gear VR?
- Before putting your smartphone into the Gear Viewing device, run the Oculus app on your cell.
- You can use the OCULUS app either in-store mode or in library mode. If it is in store mode, skip to step five; if it is in library mode, go through these three and four.
- Click the three lines in the top left corner for a menu
- From the menu, select the store mode.
- When the store’s main page opens, tap the magnifying glass icon.
- Type “Netflix” into the search box to find and install Netflix.
What Are the Limitations of Netflix VR on Gear?
Two of the most common issues encountered by users include
- Overheating of the Gear VR
- Battery drain of your cell phone
To avoid being interrupted when watching something interesting, follow the steps below.
- Make sure your smartphone battery is fully charged.
- Shut down any apps that aren’t necessary for using your phone.
- Make sure that the back cover of the Gear isn’t stuck down. Although it might seem tempting to use the back cover because it blocks out external lighting, it actually contributes to the heat buildup inside the Gear.
- If you’re using an iPhone, turn off “Do Not Disturb” so you don’t get interrupted when you’re trying
- Brighten up your phone’s display. The brighter the display, the faster the phone’s batteries drain.
- Invest in a purpose-built air conditioner
With its intuitive user interface, a wide range of content, and regular updates, Netflix VR offers a complete recipe for an awesome experience on Gear.
Everything You Need to Watch Netflix in VR
Netflix is the most widely used streaming service around, due to its huge library and low prices.
While its competitors add features like live television and sports, Netflix has focused most of its efforts on creating an extensive library of original programming.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your Netflix experience, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Netflix VR?
Netflix VR is an application that lets Netflix subscribers watch their favorite TV shows and movies on their VR rigs.
While Netflix has been slow to embrace virtual reality, it finally added support for Google’s daydream view last year.
Modes
Users can choose between watching movies in either a living-room viewing environment or in Void mode.
Living Room
Sitting in front of the television sets you in a cozy den with a large screen above the fireplace. It has a beautiful view too if you get tired of watching Stranger Things.
When watching TV in Living Room Mode, you’ll need to lie down like you normally would when watching TV, because if you lay on your stomach you’ll be staring at the ceiling of the living room.
Void
With void, you can watch TV anywhere you want. If you prefer to watch in bed, you’ll want to turn void on.
There aren’t any additional settings for Netflix VR. It’s already set up to be an immersive viewing environment.
What Can You Watch on Netflix VR?
At present, all of Netflix’s regular programming is available on Netflix’s VR service, but there aren’t any original VR programs or three-dimensional (3D) movies included in your subscription.
It’s not yet clear whether Netflix will add exclusive VR content in the future, but if you’re looking for something tailored to your needs, you may be better off checking out Hulu in VR instead.
Are There Any Limitations to Netflix VR?
Traveling abroad means having access to the internet wherever you go. But if you’re traveling outside the US, you may not always have access to fast enough internet speeds to stream Netflix VR content.
But the bigger issue is actually the video quality. Netflix VR content can’t be viewed at 1080p resolution, even if subscribers pay for an HD subscription.
It’s not surprising that some studios aren’t releasing high-definition (HD) versions of their movies and TV shows for Netflix VR viewing, but it’s a bit strange that Netflix’s original series don’t even come in HD for viewers using Netflix VR.
How to Watch Netflix on Gear VR?
How to Watch Netflix in VR?
There are two ways to watch Netflix in VR. Here’s everything you should know about each option.
Netflix in VR with Oculus Rift
With its advanced VR gaming and computer program features, the Oculus Rift is an ideal in-home VR system.
Coming with two Oculus Touch controllers, six free games, and the best tracking in VR Rift is an advanced system, it requires a computer with Windows 8.1 or later, a 64-bit system, NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti/AMD Radeon RX 470 or greater graphics card, and 8GB of RAM.
To use Netflix in VR using Oculus Go, you’ll just need to install the Netflix app from the Oculus store.
Netflix in VR with Google Daydream
If you’re curious about virtual reality but don’t feel ready to invest in a headset yet, consider trying out Google Daydream.
This affordable VR system uses your phone as its display and includes a controller for navigation.
If you’re using a Google Daydream headset, you’ll need to connect your Netflix account to it first. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play store app.
- Click the magnifying lens icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Find Netflix VR.
- Tap the Netflix VR application in the list.
- Click free.
- Click OK.
- When the notification bar at the bottom of the phone display shows “Successfully installed Netflix VR,” the installation is complete.
- Quit the Play Store.
- Launch the Netflix VR app.
- Enter your Netflix account username and password.
Netflix VR with Samsung Gear VR
Devices: Samsung GearVR is compatible with Galaxy Note 9, S9, S8, S9+ (Note 8), Note 5, S6, S6+ (S6), and S6+ (S7).
If you have a Galaxy S7 or newer smartphone and aren’t quite ready to commit to an Oculus Rift, Samsung GearVR is a good alternative. It uses the same software as the Oculus Rift, and the setup process works the same way.
- Select Netflix from the Home Screen of the Oculus Rift
- Install the application by following the prompts.
- After Netflix launches, all you need to do is log into your account.
Netflix VR on Google Cardboard
It gets a bit trickier here. Netflix VR doesn’t officially work with Google Cardboard, so there’s no way to make it work without using a workaround.
It involves installing Trinus VR on both your computer and your phone and then linking the two from your Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
Netflix VR is a fun way to enjoy some quality entertainment in VR. However, it’s still very much in beta, and there are many limitations.
For example, you can’t download anything to your PC or mobile device, which means you’ll always be tethered to your Wi-Fi connection.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below.