THE NEWS WRAP: Samsung releases Oculus Rift-based headset in the US

Samsung has released its Gear VR virtual reality headset in the US for $US199, with the device based on technology from Oculus Rift.

A Galaxy Note 4 smartphone plugs into the device and provides the display, key sensors and the processor for the device, while a compatible Bluetooth joypad is available as part of a $US249 bundle, Kickstarter reports.

According to SmartCompany, the device connects to the Note 4 through a micro-USB 1.1 connection, and offers a 96-degree field of view with under 20 milliseconds of latency. It also has a control pad top to help navigate the virtual world.

Uber banned in New Delhi

Ridesharing startup Uber has been banned from the Indian capital New Delhi following accusations one of its drivers raped a passenger, according to Reuters.

Indian authorities are claiming Uber failed to perform adequate background checks on the accused driver, Shiv Kumar Yadav, who was arrested on charges of raping a woman three years ago but was later acquitted.

“Keeping in view the violation and the horrific crime committed by the driver, the transport department has banned all activities relating to providing any transport service by the www.Uber.com,” special commissioner Kuldeep Singh Gangar said.

Facebook brings Graph Search to mobile

Facebook has released an iPhone version of its Graph Search, with the new feature dubbed “Facebook Search”.

While search from mobile devices was previously limited to pages, people or groups, Recode reports to upgraded search will be able to find results for search queries such as: “Restaurants that my friends like in San Francisco.”

However, at this stage there is no timetable for an Android release.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 100.53 points to 17858.3. The US dollar is down to US82.93 cents.