I've suspected the same reasoning. Which is probably the optimal strategy they could have taken. Samsung seems to clearly have the best screen tech/market-share

I've suspected the same reasoning. Which is probably the optimal strategy they could have taken. Samsung seems to clearly have the best screen tech/market-share combination. By partnering with them they prevent samsung from copying them anyway and potentially not giving them access to the screens, also if Oculus was smart they agreed but with a non-compete or exclusivity clause so that Samsung doesn't provide competitors screens. Also Samsung probably has the most resources besides Apple to actually be modifying/manufacturing customer hardware/software innovations that are requirement for future versions of Oculus. Re: Gear VR, I think it's very impressive. Definitely better than the DK2. You don't miss positional tracking as much as you'd think when you get wire-free and light/polished product experience. The Crescent Bay demo was definitely better than both, but Gear VR is your best bet right now for experimenting and promoting your experiments. Being able to walk up to people just show them your demo is priceless and powerful. I'd shown maybe 10 people my DK2, I've already shown probably 100. I brought it into work, I brought it meetups, etc. Caveat: I was due for an upgrade from my iPhone 4S and wanted to tryout Android for a generation, so getting the Galaxy Note 4 was logical so that I could kick in the $200US for a Gear VR. If you already have a great phone, it's a pretty heavy price to pay to get the Galaxy Note 4 and Gear VR. I'd recommend waiting if you aren't feeling loaded at the moment or are not a developer.