Google Cardboard Turns Your Android Into A DIY Virtual Reality Headset

Google Cardboard Turns Your Android Into A DIY Virtual Reality Headset

Want a virtual reality headset, but can’t afford the hefty price tag on most existing models (or to hold out for the future)? Google dropped an inexpensive solution today following its I/O keynote: Google Cardboard, an app that lets Android users transform their phones into VR headsets with the help of a DIY cardboard viewer.

It’s not exactly the Oculus Rift, but who cares what the outside looks like if the virtual reality experience is any good? The Cardboard app lets users watch YouTube, virtually carouse on Google Street View or virtually scale the Himalayas with Google Earth, among other immersive demos. But first you have to put your cardboard viewer together. Google provided directions to put together the viewer, which is made from cardboard, Velcro, magnets and lenses (NFC tag optional).

Google Cardboard Turns Your Android Into A DIY Virtual Reality Headset

If you’re curious, the app is available in the Google Play store, and cardboard is available at your local hardware store, and probably some local recycling bins. Google recommends using corrugated cardboard, so your headset will probably look wonky if you try to use something you actually found in the garbage.

Update: Our own Brent Rose got some (very limited) time with Cardboard earlier today and confirms that it is awesomesauce:

Google Cardboard Turns Your Android Into A DIY Virtual Reality Headset

Google Cardboard Turns Your Android Into A DIY Virtual Reality Headset

Google Cardboard Turns Your Android Into A DIY Virtual Reality Headset


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.