image via samsung website screenshot

Samsung XR (formerly Samsung VR) announced that the company will shut down its VR video hosting platform, which features both premium and user-uploaded content.

They shared the roadmap they will follow while terminating the platform as follows:

  • As of May 11, 360° video uploads will no longer be possible, and all Samsung XR and Samsung VR video clients will no longer receive updates.
  • In the 2nd phase, starting from June 30, 2020: The Samsung VR Video application will no longer be supported on Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, or Oculus Quest, and will be removed from the Oculus store.
  • As of September 30, 2020: All Samsung XR user accounts will be disabled and removed. All users’ account information and associated data will be permanently deleted from the Samsung XR service. All published videos will be removed from the Samsung XR service. Once the data is deleted, it can no longer be recovered. Samsung XR will not be responsible for any loss resulting from the deletion of any video. The Samsung VR Video application will no longer be supported on Samsung Gear VR or Windows Odyssey. This application will also be removed from the Oculus and Microsoft Mixed Reality stores. The Samsung XR mobile app will no longer be supported on Android devices. This mobile app will also be removed from the Galaxy Store and Google Play.

No statement has been made regarding why such a decision was taken or about their future plans regarding virtual reality. I believe that a company like Samsung will not stay away from next-generation technologies for too long and will make a more ambitious comeback. Especially considering Apple’s recent augmented reality moves in recent months, I suppose they wouldn’t want to fall behind in the competition.

To get detailed information or to get in touch, you can visit the announcement page .