Google cardboard

Types of Google Cardboard

Google cardboard refers to a type of virtual reality headset that is simple and inexpensive. It came about as a brainchild of the tech giant, Google. The headset allows users to experience virtual reality by using a smartphone. It is made of a cardboard viewer and a lens that is held up to the user’s eyes.

Although originally announced and referred to as a Google product, the term cardboard has grown to refer to the idea of VR headsets that are made of cardboard. It has become a general term in the industry that is now often referred to as a "cardboard" or "viewer." It has grown to become more popular due to its low cost and simple materials as opposed to more complex VR headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.

The versatility of the Google Cardboard headset coupled with its low price point has made it accessible to a wide variety of users. It allows users to experience VR content in a more straightforward manner by simply placing a smartphone inside the headset. Based on different specifications and features, there are various types of Google cardboard available:

• Basic Google cardboard: These types of cardboard headsets are made of cardboard and equipped with a pair of biconvex lenses. It is designed to hold a smartphone. The basic Google Cardboard comes in different shapes and sizes to fit different smartphone models.
• Foldable Google cardboard: Like the name suggests, foldable cardboard is designed to be foldable and compact so that it can be easily carried around. The cardboard works the same as the basic version. It consists of a cardboard box with lenses designed to fold into a headset that the user can place over the eyes and holds the smartphone in place. Its foldable design makes it convenient for use and storage.
• Adjustable Google cardboard: This type of viewer has the ability to adjust the lenses or the fit of the headset. It allows different users to customize their viewing experience based on their comfort and eyesight needs. It can accommodate various smartphone sizes and has a better fit.
• Refocus Google cardboard: This type of viewer allows the user to adjust the focus of the lenses to suit their eyesight needs. Unlike the fixed-focus version that has a set distance between the lens and the user's eyes, a refocus Google cardboard has a mechanism that enables users to change the distance.

Function and feature of google cardboard

Consumer interest in affordable VR solutions has increased significantly. This has led developers to create more sophisticated yet cost-effective Google Cardboard options. Some normal features include;

• Lens Size and Quality: The lens sizes and qualities of Google Cardboard may vary. Although all Cardboards use glass or plastic convex lenses (biconvex), the focal distance, curvature, and size of the lenses are not standardized. Each model has a unique viewing experience affected by lens size and quality.
• Assembly: One of the distinguishing features of the various types of Google Cardboard available is the ease of assembly. Some Cardboards come pre-assembled, while others need assembly by the user. Kits that require assembly usually involve folding and attaching pieces together but may require glue or additional tools. Models that come already put together offer convenience and readiness for use straight away.
• Straps and Headphones: Different types of Google Cardboards are equipped with head straps and headphones for enhanced comfort. Some models include nylon or elastic straps to secure the device to the user's head, offering a hands-free experience. Moreover, certain Google Cardboard variants feature built-in headphones or earphones that deliver immersive audio. These additions enhance the virtual reality experience by making it more comfortable and enriching.
• Durability and Build Materials: The long-lasting nature and build materials of a Google Cardboard viewer greatly vary from one model to another. While all Google Cardboard headsets are, as the name suggests, made of cardboard, certain types are also made of more durable plastic materials. The lifespan of each viewer differs, as do the quality and toughness of the materials used for construction.
• Compatibility: Various kinds of Google Cardboard headsets exist that are compatible with distinct smartphone sizes. Most Google Cardboards can be used with many smartphones; however, for optimal performance, the correct alignment of the device's screen with the lenses is necessary. Some models come with adjusters or slots to align the smartphone properly. Nonetheless, others have a fixed design, making it suitable for a particular phone size and requiring a correct fit.

Usage scenarios of Google cardboard

The main usage scenario of Google Carboard is consuming virtual reality (VR) content. Here are some detailed descriptions of where it can be used.

• VR Viewing

  Users can view VR videos, games, and tours through their smartphones. Users can access YouTube and other Cardboard-compatible apps to view content. There are 360-degree travel videos, like underwater adventures on the Great Barrier Reef. Users with the Google Cardboard app can experience simulated space travel and outer space through a built-in VR tour. Also, Cardboard works with other smartphones like the iPhone. Google Play also has many free and paid VR apps that create immersive experiences.

• Education

  In schools and universities, students can use it to learn about complex topics like biology and chemistry through VR simulations. For example, biology students can take a 3D tour of the human body. Physics students can explore concepts like gravity through interactive VR experiments. It is also a useful tool for teaching foreign languages. Language learners can use VR to take virtual tours of places where the target language is spoken. Immersive language lessons help students to learn and remember new words better.

• Architectural Visualization

  Architects often use it to show clients and potential buyers 3D views of buildings and houses before they are constructed. During the design phase, architects can create VR models of structures that users can explore through Google Cardboard. This allows homeowners to visualize plans in virtual reality. Cardboard provides a low-cost option for architects to present design concepts in an immersive way. This helps architects and clients to better understand architectural designs before construction begins.

• Sports and Entertainment

  Sport lovers can use it to watch live games and events from special stadiums and seats. This makes watching sports like basketball and soccer more exciting. Few theme parks also have VR attractions that give users fun and fast experiences. Music fans can enjoy VR concerts that make them feel like they are really at the show. Google Cardboard turns normal sports and entertainment events into immersive virtual reality experiences.

How to Choose Google Cardboard?

There are a few things to consider when choosing affordable Google Cardboard headsets.

• Audience:

  The target market should be considered first. Is it for kids and adults? The audience determines the durability and robustness of the headset. For kids, a more robust headset is better. For adults, a more polite and cordial approach can be taken.

• Built Material:

  Though it is called Google Cardboard, the actual cardboard quality, thickness, and smoothness vary among different headsets. A sturdy cardboard fold that is smooth and easy to fold is better. Because it is a DIY headset, one foldousy folding and gluing cardboard can make a headset unusable, so sticking to a smooth folding glue cardboard is essential. However, some headsets are built with foam or plastic. They are more robust than the cardboard ones and can be reused more than once like cardboard ones. Their comfort and durability are more excellent than the cardboard ones.

• Condensate:

  Most Google Cardboards come with a condensate or lens wipe to prevent the headset from fogging up. When a user puts the phone inside the headset, it creates some warmth that can cause the headset to fog up. The fogging up makes it hard to see the phone's screen; therefore, some headsets come with a wipe to wipe off the condensation. One can also use the tip of a cotton ball to prevent condensation. This only applies to the cardboard ones, as the plastic or foam ones do not fog up or condensate.

• Adjustability:

  Check if the headset is adjustable. Being adjustable means that the headset's straps can be adjusted to fit perfectly on the head. This ensures that the Cardboard does not tilt, which can cause the lenses not to be aligned with the eyes. This adjustability makes a difference in comfortable and uncomfortable headsets.

• Phone Compatibility:

  Not all Google Cardboards are made to accommodate all smartphones. This is why most headsets come with a size guide. The size guide shows the phones that the cardboard is compatible with. Some more versions, like Version 3, have a guide to which phone the cardboard is compatible with. It also gives a tip on how to fit other phones.

• Lens Quality:

  The lens quality can either make or break the virtual reality experience. Therefore, it is essential to choose a headset with a good lens. A good lens minimizes distortion and provides a more excellent view. Some headsets give an optimal view within a specific distance; once the distance is increased, the quality of the view becomes less. Some can adjust the focal distance so that even with a clear view at an optimal distance, the focal can be set to other distances.

• Foldable:

  Choose a headset that is foldable. Foldable here does not mean foldable like the cardboard ones but foldable for storage and portability. It means that the headset can be made small to take up space when not in use. This feature is ideal for transporting the headset from one place to another.

Google cardboard Q and A

Q1: Can I use my phone with any kind of Google cardboard headset?

A1: Not really. The cardboard VR headsets work with smartphones and have specific requirements for things like screen resolution, size, and other features to make sure the virtual reality experience is good.

Q2: How should app content be formatted for viewing in a Google Cardboard headset?

A2: Apps should use the UIKit provided by Google to ensure a good VR experience. This is especially important for presenting 360-degree videos and panoramic images. Also, apps need to support both cardboard and phone screens. So, developers should implement the Cardboard's stereoscopic viewer for showing scenes intended for virtual reality. Additionally, apps must have a false-exit button. This button is crucial because it lets users quickly leave VR mode if they experience discomfort.

Q3: Is it possible to use the Google Cardboard without a smartphone?

A3: Using the Google Cardboard without a smartphone is not feasible, as the smartphone serves as both the display and processing unit for running VR applications and displaying content.

Q4: Can regular glasses be worn inside the Google Cardboard headset?

A4: Yes, the Google Cardboard is designed to accommodate users wearing regular glasses to ensure comfort and usability during the VR experience.

Q5: What type of content is available for viewing through the Google Cardboard?

A5: A wide variety of content, including 360-degree videos, panoramic images, and VR games, is accessible for viewing through the Google Cardboard, providing diverse virtual reality experiences.