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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Google Cardboard
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = Phone VR (DIY)
|Subtype = [[Mobile VR]]
|Platform = [[Android]], [[iOS]]
|Platform = [[Google Cardboard SDK]]
|Creator = [[Google]]
|Creator = [[Google]]
|Announced = Google I/O 2014
|Developer = David Coz, Damien Henry (Google)
|Release = 2014
|Manufacturer = Various (DIY or third-party)
|Price = ~$15-25
|Announcement Date = June 25, 2014 (Google I/O)
|Website = https://developers.google.com/cardboard
|Release Date = June 25, 2014
|OS = Android / iOS (via phone)
|Price = Free (DIY) to $15-$25 (pre-made)
|CPU = Host phone dependent
|Website = https://arvr.google.com/cardboard/ (archived)
|GPU = Host phone dependent
|Versions = Cardboard v1 (2014), Cardboard v2 (2015)
|Storage = Host phone dependent
|Requires = Compatible smartphone (Android or iOS)
|RAM = Host phone dependent
|Predecessor = None
|Display = Phone display
|Successor = [[Google Daydream View]]
|Resolution = Phone dependent
|Operating System = Works with Android, iOS
|Refresh = Phone dependent
|Chipset = Powered by smartphone
|Brightness =
|CPU = Powered by smartphone
|FOV = ~80-90°
|GPU = Powered by smartphone
|PPD =
|HPU =
|Lenses = 45mm focal length biconvex
|Storage = Powered by smartphone
|IPD =
|Memory = Powered by smartphone
|Eye Tracking =
|SD Card Slot = Via smartphone
|Hand Tracking =
|Display = Smartphone display
|Tracking = 3DoF (phone sensors)
|Subpixel Layout = Smartphone dependent
|Spatial Mapping =
|Peak Brightness = Smartphone dependent
|Speakers = Phone speakers/headphones
|Resolution = Smartphone dependent
|Microphone = Phone microphone
|Pixel Density = Smartphone dependent
|Audio Jack = Phone dependent
|Refresh Rate = Smartphone dependent (typically 60Hz)
|Connectivity = Phone dependent
|Persistence = Smartphone dependent
|Ports =
|Field of View = ~80-90°
|Battery = Phone dependent
|Horizontal FoV = ~80-90°
|Weight = ~70-100g
|Vertical FoV = ~80-90°
|Materials = Corrugated cardboard, lenses, magnets/button
|Average Pixel Density = Smartphone dependent
|Colors =
|Peak Pixel Density = Smartphone dependent
|Sensors = Phone dependent
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Input = Magnetic trigger (v1) / Conductive button (v2)
|Optics = 40mm biconvex lenses (standard)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed (typical ~64mm)
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = 3DoF (smartphone sensors)
|Tracking Frequency = Smartphone dependent
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = 60Hz (typical)
|Tracking Volume = Stationary
|Play Space = Stationary
|Latency = Smartphone dependent
|Audio = Via smartphone
|Microphone = Via smartphone
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Via smartphone
|Camera = Phone camera accessible (some apps)
|Connectivity = None (passive viewer)
|Ports = None
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = Via smartphone
|Bluetooth = Via smartphone
|Power = None required (passive)
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = ~150mm × 80mm × 100mm (typical)
|Weight = ~80-100g (cardboard), varies by material
|Material = Cardboard (original), various (third-party)
|Headstrap = Elastic band or headstrap (varies)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Brown (cardboard), varies
|Sensors = None (uses phone sensors)
|Input = Magnet trigger (v1), conductive lever (v2), screen tap
|Compliance = N/A (DIY)
}}
}}


'''Google Cardboard''' is a discontinued [[virtual reality]] platform developed by [[Google]], consisting of a fold-out cardboard viewer into which a smartphone is inserted. Announced at Google I/O 2014, Cardboard was designed as a low-cost system to encourage interest and development in VR applications. The open-source specifications allowed anyone to build their own viewer or manufacture certified devices. Google discontinued the Cardboard project in 2021.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Cardboard|title=Google Cardboard|publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref>
'''Google Cardboard''' is a discontinued [[virtual reality]] platform developed by [[Google]], consisting of a fold-out cardboard or plastic viewer into which a smartphone is inserted. First unveiled at the Google I/O developer conference on June 25, 2014, Cardboard was designed as a low-cost, accessible entry point to virtual reality—users could build their own viewer from cardboard, lenses, and simple components using Google's published specifications, or purchase inexpensive pre-made viewers. Created by Google engineers David Coz and Damien Henry during their "20% Innovation Time Off," Cardboard demonstrated that meaningful VR experiences could be achieved with minimal investment, leading to over 15 million viewer units shipped by November 2019. Google stopped selling Cardboard viewers in March 2021, though the open-source design remains available.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


=== Google I/O 2014 ===
=== Origins at Google ===
Google surprised attendees at Google I/O 2014 by distributing cardboard VR viewers, introducing the concept of accessible, DIY virtual reality.
Created during innovation time:
* David Coz and Damien Henry, French engineers
* Google Cultural Institute in Paris
* 20% "Innovation Time Off" project
* Exploring accessible VR concepts


=== Open Source Design ===
=== Google I/O 2014 Reveal ===
Google made the specifications freely available, including:
Surprise announcement:
* Parts list
* June 25, 2014 keynote
* Schematics
* 6,000 kits distributed to attendees
* Assembly instructions
* Immediate hands-on experience
* Unexpected VR announcement


=== Two Versions ===
=== Design Philosophy ===
* '''Cardboard 1.0:''' iPhone 5 sized, magnet trigger, 25mm lenses
Accessibility-first approach:
* '''Cardboard 2.0:''' Larger phones, conductive button, 37mm lenses
* Use existing smartphone
* Minimal additional cost
* DIY construction possible
* Open specifications


=== Discontinuation ===
=== Cardboard v1 (2014) ===
Google discontinued Cardboard in 2021, releasing the SDK as open source.
Original design:
* 12-step assembly
* Magnetic ring trigger
* Up to 5.5" phone support
* Simple construction


== Design Specifications ==
=== Cardboard v2 (2015) ===
Improved design at Google I/O 2015:
* 3-step assembly (simplified)
* Up to 6" phone support
* Conductive lever button (universal)
* Better compatibility


=== Materials ===
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''Body:''' E-flute corrugated cardboard (1.5-1.7mm thick)
* '''Minimum Size:''' 22cm x 56cm sheet
* '''Three Parts:''' Chassis, t-shirt, button


=== Lenses ===
=== Democratizing VR ===
* '''Type:''' Biconvex plastic
Core mission:
* '''Focal Length:''' 45mm
* VR for everyone
* '''Diameter:''' 25mm (v1.0) or 37mm (v2.0)
* Remove cost barriers
* Simple enough for anyone
* Educational potential


=== Trigger Mechanism ===
=== Open Platform ===
* '''Version 1.0:''' Magnetic trigger using phone's magnetometer
Open specifications:
* '''Version 2.0:''' Conductive button with "pillow" and "strip"
* Plans freely available
* Manufacturers welcomed
* Third-party variations encouraged
* SDK for developers


=== Additional Components ===
=== DIY Ethos ===
* Hook and loop fasteners
Build your own:
* Basic materials list published
* Home construction possible
* Craft project for education
* Maker community appeal
 
== Construction ==
 
=== Materials (DIY) ===
Basic components:
* E-flute corrugated cardboard (1.7mm)
* Two 40mm biconvex lenses
* Magnets (v1) or conductive foam (v2)
* Velcro strips
* Rubber band
* Rubber band
* Optional NFC tag
* NFC tag (optional)
 
=== Three-Part Design ===
Cardboard body:
* '''Chassis''': Main body with lens cutouts
* '''T-shirt''': Front panel with phone opening
* '''Button''': Input mechanism
 
=== Lens Specifications ===
Optical requirements:
* 40mm focal length
* Biconvex shape
* 25mm diameter (typical)
* 2-5cm focal distance


== Phone Compatibility ==
=== Assembly ===
Simple construction:
* v1: 12 folding steps
* v2: 3 simple steps
* No tools required
* Kid-friendly assembly


=== Screen Size ===
== Optical System ==
* Fits phones 3.5" to 6.0"


=== Requirements ===
=== Simple Lenses ===
* Gyroscope sensor
Basic optics:
* Accelerometer
* 40mm biconvex lenses
* Android or iOS
* ~80-90° field of view
* Fixed focal length
* Fixed IPD (~64mm)


== Building Your Own ==
=== Limitations ===
Simple design trade-offs:
* No IPD adjustment
* Fixed focus
* Some distortion
* Basic optical quality


=== DIY Materials ===
== Input Methods ==
* Corrugated cardboard
* Biconvex lenses (45mm focal length)
* Magnets (optional)
* Hook and loop fasteners
* Rubber band


=== Viewer Profile Generator ===
=== Cardboard v1 Input ===
Google provided a tool to create QR codes for custom viewers, allowing apps to automatically calibrate.
Magnetic trigger:
* Ceramic and neodymium magnets
* Slide magnet to activate
* Detected by phone magnetometer
* Not compatible with all phones


== Certified Viewers ==
=== Cardboard v2 Input ===
Conductive lever:
* Conductive tape/foam
* Presses touchscreen directly
* Universal compatibility
* Simple mechanism


Many manufacturers produced certified Cardboard-compatible viewers:
=== Additional Input ===
* Premium materials (plastic, fabric)
Other options:
* Improved comfort
* Screen tap (reach inside)
* Additional features
* Bluetooth controller
* Head movement/gaze
* Voice commands


== Software Platform ==
== Software Platform ==


=== Cardboard SDK ===
=== Cardboard SDK ===
* Unity support
Development platform:
* Unreal Engine support
* Android SDK
* Native Android/iOS support
* iOS SDK
* Now open source
* Unity plugin
* Unreal Engine plugin


=== Compatible Apps ===
=== Cardboard Apps ===
* YouTube VR
Wide ecosystem:
* Google Play Store
* Apple App Store
* Thousands of experiences
* Educational content
 
=== Notable Applications ===
Popular experiences:
* Google Earth VR
* YouTube VR (360° videos)
* Google Street View
* Google Street View
* Discovery VR
* Google Expeditions (education)
* Thousands of Cardboard-compatible apps
* Cardboard Camera (capture)


== Legacy ==
=== VR Mode ===
Split-screen rendering:
* Stereoscopic 3D
* Barrel distortion correction
* Gyroscope-based tracking
* Standard smartphone sensors


Google Cardboard's impact on VR:
== Third-Party Viewers ==
* Introduced millions to VR at low cost
* Established mobile VR as a viable platform
* Influenced [[Google Daydream]]
* Inspired numerous low-cost VR viewers
* Enabled VR education in schools


== Specifications ==
=== Certified Works with Google Cardboard ===
Official certification:
* Quality standards
* Compatibility testing
* "Works with Google Cardboard" badge
* Consumer assurance
 
=== Popular Manufacturers ===
Commercial viewers:
* Mattel View-Master VR
* Homido
* Knox
* Unofficial Cardboard
* Hundreds of variants
 
=== Material Variations ===
Beyond cardboard:
* Plastic viewers
* Foam constructions
* Premium materials
* Durable designs
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Education ===
Primary application:
* Google Expeditions (virtual field trips)
* Science visualization
* History experiences
* Classroom VR
 
=== 360° Video ===
Media consumption:
* YouTube 360° videos
* News experiences
* Travel content
* Concert recordings
 
=== Demonstrations ===
VR introduction:
* First VR experience for many
* Conference demonstrations
* Marketing activations
* Trade show giveaways
 
=== Gaming ===
Casual experiences:
* Simple VR games
* Puzzle experiences
* Exploration games
* Limited by 3DoF and input
 
== Commercial Distribution ==
 
=== Google Distribution ===
Official availability:
* Google I/O giveaways
* Google Store sales
* Educational programs
* Promotional distribution
 
=== Third-Party Sales ===
Wide availability:
* Amazon
* Retail stores
* Educational suppliers
* Bulk orders available
 
=== Promotional Use ===
Marketing tool:
* Custom branded viewers
* Movie promotions
* Product launches
* Event giveaways
 
== Impact and Legacy ==
 
=== VR Accessibility ===
Democratized VR access:
* Millions first VR experience
* Lowest cost entry point
* Global reach
* Educational impact
 
=== Market Validation ===
Proved VR interest:
* Over 15 million units (by 2019)
* Massive app ecosystem
* Developer interest generated
* Market demand demonstrated
 
=== Industry Influence ===
Inspired developments:
* Mobile VR category created
* Samsung Gear VR influenced
* Google Daydream successor
* Standalone VR concepts
 
=== Educational Legacy ===
Classroom impact:
* Google Expeditions reached millions
* Virtual field trips
* Science education
* Continued educational VR interest
 
== Google Expeditions ==
 
=== Educational Platform ===
Classroom VR:
* Teacher-led VR experiences
* Virtual field trips
* 900+ expeditions available
* Global deployment
 
=== Impact ===
Educational reach:
* Millions of students
* Thousands of schools
* Multiple countries
* Memorable learning
 
=== Transition ===
Platform evolution:
* Expeditions features moved to Google Arts & Culture
* Cardboard support continued via browser
* Legacy content preserved
 
== Discontinuation ==
 
=== March 2021 ===
Google Store removal:
* Official Cardboard viewers discontinued
* SDK open-sourced
* Design specifications remain available
* End of official support
 
=== Reasons ===
Market evolution:
* Standalone VR matured (Quest)
* Mobile VR declined
* 3DoF obsolete for serious VR
* Mission accomplished (VR awareness)
 
=== Open-Source Legacy ===
Continued availability:
* Cardboard SDK open-sourced (2019)
* Specifications still public
* Third-party viewers available
* DIY always possible
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Cardboard v1 !! Cardboard v2
|-
| Release || June 2014 || May 2015
|-
| Max Phone Size || 5.5" || 6.0"
|-
| Assembly Steps || 12 || 3
|-
| Input || Magnetic trigger || Conductive lever
|-
| Lenses || 40mm biconvex || 40mm biconvex
|-
| FOV || ~80° || ~90°
|-
|-
| Type || DIY Phone VR
| Tracking || 3DoF (phone) || 3DoF (phone)
|-
|-
| Material || Corrugated cardboard
| Weight || ~80g || ~100g
|-
|-
| Lenses || 45mm biconvex
| Price || ~$15 (kit) || ~$15-25 (kit)
|}
 
== Comparison with Mobile VR ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| Field of View || ~80-90°
! Feature !! Google Cardboard !! Samsung Gear VR !! Google Daydream
|-
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF (phone sensors)
| Price || ~$15 || $99 || $79
|-
|-
| Phone Size || 3.5" - 6.0"
| Phone Support || Most smartphones || Samsung Galaxy only || Daydream-ready only
|-
|-
| Weight || ~70-100g
| Tracking || Phone IMU || Custom IMU || Custom IMU
|-
|-
| Price || ~$15-25
| Input || Trigger/gaze || Touchpad + controller || Controller
|-
|-
| Status || Discontinued (2021)
| Build Quality || Basic || Premium || Premium
|}
|}


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* [[Google]]
* [[Google]]
* [[Google Daydream]]
* [[Google Daydream]]
* [[Phone VR]]
* [[Samsung Gear VR]]
* [[DIY VR]]
* [[Mobile VR]]
* [[Mobile VR]]
* [[Virtual Reality]]
* [[Google Expeditions]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Phone VR]]
[[Category:Mobile VR]]
[[Category:DIY VR]]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:Open source hardware]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:Discontinued]]
[[Category:DIY]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Google_Cardboard"