Virtual reality is gradually making its way to become one of the most sought after items in today's modern technology. Though an increasingly huge number of efforts are being focused at introducing VR into the home setting, Google cardboard has taken a unique approach by making it very affordable to experience the VR treatment through the use of a simple VR headset, your typical smartphone and any app with Google Cardboard compatibility.But what exactly is Google Cardboard,can you get the fix, and how do you use it? That's what we are going to answer in this post.
What is Google Cardboard and how does it work?
Google Cardboard is basically a platform for virtual reality. Google develops a primary spec designed for Cardboard compatible apps and viewers, however it isn't involved in the actual regulation or selling of these items. Though the company has on a number of occasions offered free fully assembled viewers as part of a variety of promotions.Because there is practically no regulation put in place for the viewer designs sold, there huge variety of viewers available out there. Apart form the 'default' model that comes in form of a cardboard, there are a ton of other different types including foam and plastic.In terms of how Cardboard works, an image on your phone's screen is basically split into two. Afterwards your phone can be manually inserted into a reader, and through two special lenses, you get a 3D VR type effect that looks a little pale compared to the experience you'd find on a high-end VR like the Oculus Rift. Nevertheless, it offers a genuinely impressive experience especially if you consider the low-key investment.As for game controls, there are various ways this can be done, but usually the interaction through viewing lasts long enough to allow selection. It also lets you look around the VR world by moving your head side to side, just as you would in the real world. A few viewers and apps lack extra input support methods such as Bluetooth controllers, or triggers on the viewer; however this shouldn't be a big deal, since they are not yet common control methods.
Where can you get Cardboard
If you are planning to explore all that Cardboard has to offer, note that a phone running on Android 4.1 or higher is required. Fortunately, if the latest Android software distribution ratio is anything to go by, this should be easy to find. Also keep in mind that Cardboard viewers are built for different size phones, with some designed for smaller phones, and others supporting phone displays as large as 6 inches. Thus consider this factor when choosing the right viewer for you.You can easily find a ton of Cardboard VR units available on Amazon as well as other online retailers. These include Tonee DIY Cardboard, Google Cardboard 3D VR Virtual Reality DIY, JoyGeek 3D Cardboard, View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack, IncrediSonic M700 VUE Series VR Glasses and Merge VR.
Getting Started
Now that you have purchased your Cardboard, how can you use it? The first thing you need to do once you have your Cardboard headset, is to install the official
Google Cardboard app from the Play Store. This will be a major part of getting started on your Cardboard journey, as it provides a simple guide for setting up, along with a channel to find other app to enhance your virtual reality experience.
