Oculus removes GearVR support for the defective Galaxy Note 7

Samsung have been having a dire time with the Galaxy Note 7. Even after a one total recall, Samsung’s latest phone continues to spontaneously combust, causing the company to permanently cease production of the device. Now, Oculus and Samsung have disabled support for the Gear VR on the Note 7.

It makes sense, as while it would be a disaster for a phone catching fire in someone’s pocket, or on a flight — both of which have happened — if the phone was in a Gear VR strapped to someone’s face when it burst into flames, it’d probably do more damage to Samsung’s brand than they’ve already endured.

Now, when a customer attempts to download the Oculus app required for operating the Gear VR onto a Galaxy Note 7 phone, a message will be displayed: " "Customer safety is Oculus’ top priority. Oculus is removing support for all Note 7 devices on the Oculus platform. Until further notice, Note 7 devices will not be compatible with the Gear VR. For more information regarding the Note 7 please contact Samsung directly."

Crucially, there hasn’t been a single report yet of a Note 7 combusting in a Gear VR at this stage, but Samsung is already working hard to get the faulty phones away from customers, and so giving consumers every possible reason to get in touch and return the defective units makes a lot of sense.