In the 8 months since its initial launch the Samsung Gear VR has set a standard for mobile virtual reality (VR) experiences that has yet to be bettered. Made available in limited quantities as an ‘Innovator Edition’, the head-mounted display (HMD) has proven popular with both consumers and developers alike. However, earlier this year Oculus VR revealed that the ‘full consumer‘ launch would happen in 2015. Little else has been said on the matter since, however Oculus VR co-founder Palmer Luckey has confirmed to VRFocus that we will still see the HMD this year.

Discussing the original announcement of the consumer launch of the Gear VR at Gamescom, Cologne, last week, Luckey stated without hesitation that the HMD, “Will be coming later this year.”

When questioned further, Luckey denied to comment on when we can expect an announcement about the release of the device nor what form it will take. However, Samsung – co-creator of the Gear VR – is due to hold its annual ‘Unpacked’ event in New York later this week. Given that it was at last year’s event that the Gear VR Innovator Edition was revealed, VRFocus suggested that an announcement at the event this year might be on the cards. To this, Luckey simply replied: “You’d have to ask Samsung about that.”

Following this interview VRFocus has learned that Oculus VR will not be attending Samsung’s Unpacked event in any official capacity, and so a reveal for the consumer version of the Gear VR is looking unlikely. However, given that there are few months left in the year to reveal such details we can expect more information to be forthcoming soon. VRFocus will of course keep you updated with all the latest details, as well as bringing you the full interview with Luckey very soon.