Google Cardboard is essentially a piece of cardboard folded into a box that’s slightly shorter than a brick. By slipping in an iPhone or Android phone and running Google’s Cardboard app, users can replicate a VR headset. Models certified by Google are available for as low as $15.Hollywood studios, news outlets and consumer brands are all dabbling with virtual reality. Many everyday folks will soon join them using 360-degree cameras coming soon from Samsung and LG.
But headsets to view VR video can cost more than $1,000 once you include a high-end personal computer with fast-enough graphics. And while smartphone makers are designing cheaper headsets – Samsung’s Gear VR is $100 – you need a compatible phone. Replacing your current phone might cost you hundreds of dollars.
Fortunately, there are plenty of free, or at least cheap, options that rely on your existing phone or PC. The experience isn’t as smooth as what you’d get with Gear VR or upcoming headsets from LG, HTC, Sony and Facebook’s Oculus business. But you won’t go broke, either.
Google Cardboard
It sounds like a joke, but it works. Google Cardboard is essentially a piece of cardboard folded into a box that’s slightly shorter than a brick. You slip in an iPhone or Android phone that’s no larger than 6 inches diagonally. You run Google’s Cardboard app, and voila.