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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[File:Google Cardboard.png|350px]]
|image =
|VR/AR=[[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype=[[Slide-on HMD]], [[DIY HMD]]
|Subtype = Phone VR (DIY)
|Platform=
|Platform = [[Android]], [[iOS]]
|Creator=[[David Coz]], [[Damien Henry]]
|Creator = [[Google]]
|Developer=[[Google]]
|Announced = Google I/O 2014
|Manufacturer=
|Release = 2014
|Operating System=[[Android]], [[iOS]]
|Price = ~$15-25
|Requires=Smartphone
|Website = https://developers.google.com/cardboard
|Predecessor=None
|OS = Android / iOS (via phone)
|Successor=[[Google Cardboard 2]]
|CPU = Host phone dependent
|Display=Depends on the smartphone
|GPU = Host phone dependent
|Resolution=Depends on the smartphone
|Storage = Host phone dependent
|Pixel Density=Depends on the smartphone
|RAM = Host phone dependent
|Refresh Rate=
|Display = Phone display
|Persistence=
|Resolution = Phone dependent
|Precision=
|Refresh = Phone dependent
|Field of View=
|Brightness =
|Tracking=3DOF
|FOV = ~80-90°
|Rotational Tracking=IMUs in Smartphone
|PPD =
|Positional Tracking=None
|Lenses = 45mm focal length biconvex
|Update Rate=
|IPD =
|Latency=
|Eye Tracking =
|Audio=
|Hand Tracking =
|Camera=
|Tracking = 3DoF (phone sensors)
|Sensors=
|Spatial Mapping =
|Input=
|Speakers = Phone speakers/headphones
|Connectivity=
|Microphone = Phone microphone
|Power=
|Audio Jack = Phone dependent
|Weight=
|Connectivity = Phone dependent
|Size=
|Ports =
|Release Date=June 2014
|Battery = Phone dependent
|Website=[https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/ Google Cardboard]
|Weight = ~70-100g
|Materials = Corrugated cardboard, lenses, magnets/button
|Colors =
|Sensors = Phone dependent
|Input = Magnetic trigger (v1) / Conductive button (v2)
}}
}}
Google Cardboard, announced in Google I/O on June 25, 2014, is a DIY, cardboard cut-out, smartphone mount developed by [[Google]]. With a smartphone inserted, Google Cardboard allows the user to have a [[Virtual Reality]] experience by holding it close to his or her face..


While Google Cardboard requires a smartphone with stereoscopic display software, this simple and affordable device is constructed with lenses, a magnet, a piece of hook-and-loop fastener and a rubber band. With no official manufacturer, Google has listed the schematics and instructions for the device on its website. Users can either construct one themselves or purchase them from a number of unofficial vendors. [[#Version 2|2nd version]] of Google Cardboard was released on May 28, 2015. It supports larger smartphones and replaced the magnetic ring with a universal input button.
'''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>


[[Apps]] such as immersive games and concert experiences are available in the Google Play store. Developers familiar with [[OpenGL]] can use [[Cardboard SDK]] for [[Android]] and [[iOS]] to rapidly create VR apps for the device.
== History and Development ==


Cardboard is [[Google VR]]'s low-end mobile VR platform while Daydream is the high-end.
=== Google I/O 2014 ===
Google surprised attendees at Google I/O 2014 by distributing cardboard VR viewers, introducing the concept of accessible, DIY virtual reality.


==Hardware==
=== Open Source Design ===
===Version 1===
Google made the specifications freely available, including:
The core of Google Cardboard is a folded piece of cardboard cutout. The cardboard container serves to mount your smartphone in front of your eyes similar to a set of goggles. Two circular lenses are placed in front of where your eyes should be and used to concentrate your field of view to create immersion. User can slide one of the two magnets placed at the side of the device to interact with the smartphone through the magnetometer. Additionally, an NFC tag can be placed in the device to allow the smartphone app to know when it should be in VR mode and when it should not.
* Parts list
* Schematics
* Assembly instructions


====Parts====
=== Two Versions ===
'''Cardboard''' - Corrugated cardboard sheet, preferably E Flute (corrugated cardboard comes in a variety of thicknesses called "flutes"), available at many art supply stores and online . For best results, you should look for strong, thin cardboard (sturdy shoe box rather than moving box). Minimum size: 8.75in (22cm) by 22in (56cm), and 0.06in (1.5mm) thickness.
* '''Cardboard 1.0:''' iPhone 5 sized, magnet trigger, 25mm lenses
* '''Cardboard 2.0:''' Larger phones, conductive button, 37mm lenses


'''2 Lenses''' - This is the trickiest component. Lenses that have a 45mm focal distance might work. Biconvex lenses work best because they prevent distortion around the edges.
=== Discontinuation ===
Google discontinued Cardboard in 2021, releasing the SDK as open source.


'''2 Magnets''' - One neodymium ring magnet and one ceramic disk magnet. Approximate size: 0.75in (19mm) diameter and 0.12in (3mm) thickness.
== Design Specifications ==


'''2 Velcro''' - Two strips of regular strength adhesive-backed velcro. Approximate size: 0.75in (20mm) by 1.25in (30mm).
=== Materials ===
* '''Body:''' E-flute corrugated cardboard (1.5-1.7mm thick)
* '''Minimum Size:''' 22cm x 56cm sheet
* '''Three Parts:''' Chassis, t-shirt, button


'''1 Rubberband''' - One rubber band, to prevent the phone from sliding out. Minimum length of 3.2in (8cm).
=== Lenses ===
* '''Type:''' Biconvex plastic
* '''Focal Length:''' 45mm
* '''Diameter:''' 25mm (v1.0) or 37mm (v2.0)


'''1 NFC Tag''' (Optional) - One sticker NFC tag. Program it with the URL cardboard://v1.0.0
=== Trigger Mechanism ===
* '''Version 1.0:''' Magnetic trigger using phone's magnetometer
* '''Version 2.0:''' Conductive button with "pillow" and "strip"


====Instructions====
=== Additional Components ===
The following are 3 images. Please print the images then glue the images onto cardboard. Next cut out the cardboard based on the images and construct the device.
* Hook and loop fasteners
[[File:google cardboard instruction1.jpg|300px]] [[File:google cardboard instruction2.jpg|300px]] [[File:google cardboard instruction3.jpg|300px]]
* Rubber band
* Optional NFC tag


===Version 2===
== Phone Compatibility ==
Announced and released on May 28, 2015 during Google I/O 2015. It improved upon the original design by allowing smartphone with screens as large as 6 inches to fit inside. Additionally, it replaced the magnetic ring with a universal input button made out of conductive foam. The button uses an interior hinge mechanism to tap the phone's screen as if you are tapping it with your finger. The new button not only works with every phone but also frees up the phone's magnetometer for drift correction. The new Cardboard can be assembled in 3 steps instead of 12, making it easier to build.


==Setup Tutorial==
=== Screen Size ===
* Fits phones 3.5" to 6.0"


==Apps==
=== Requirements ===
===Google Cardboard (App)===
* Gyroscope sensor
[[Google Cardboard (App)]] is the official Cardboard app developed by Google. It is available for both Android and iOS.
* Accelerometer
* Android or iOS


===Android Apps===
== Building Your Own ==
[[Cardboard Design Lab]]


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


===Access Cardboard Apps with Other HMDs===
=== Viewer Profile Generator ===
[[Samsung Gear VR]] users can download the [[CB Enabler for Gear VR]]<ref>https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.youtopiavr.cbenabler</ref> to access Cardboard Apps.
Google provided a tool to create QR codes for custom viewers, allowing apps to automatically calibrate.


==Developer==
== Certified Viewers ==
===Cardboard SDK for Android===
[[Cardboard SDK for Android]] simplifies various VR development tasks such as lens distortion correction, head tracking, 3D calibration, side-by-side rendering, stereo geometry configuration and user input event handling.


===Cardboard SDK for Unity===
Many manufacturers produced certified Cardboard-compatible viewers:
[[Cardboard SDK for Unity]] allows the user to use [[Unity]] to create an VR world from scratch, adapt an existing Unity 3D app or build an app that can effortlessly switch between VR and non-VR modes. Unity support for iOS was announced on May 28, 2015 during the Google I/O 2015.
* Premium materials (plastic, fabric)
* Improved comfort
* Additional features


==History==
== Software Platform ==
Google Cardboard was announced and released in Google I/O 2014.


'''May 28, 2015''': Google announced a newer, larger and improved [[#Version 2|Cardboard]].
=== Cardboard SDK ===
* Unity support
* Unreal Engine support
* Native Android/iOS support
* Now open source


'''May 28, 2015''': Google Cardboard support for iOS was released in Google I/O 2015.
=== Compatible Apps ===
* YouTube VR
* Google Street View
* Discovery VR
* Thousands of Cardboard-compatible apps


'''May 28, 2015''': [[YouTube]]'s [[360 Videos]] will support Cardboard.
== Legacy ==


'''November 7, 2015''': New York Times shipped over 1 million Google Cardboard to their subscribers. In addition to Cardboard, Times also released a VR App on November 5th and a series of VR films.
Google Cardboard's impact on VR:
* 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


'''January 13, 2016''': [[Spatial audio]] is supported by [[Cardboard SDK for Android]] and [[Cardboard SDK for Unity|Unity]]<ref>http://googledevelopers.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/spatial-audio-comes-to-cardboard-sdk.html</ref>
== Specifications ==


'''January 27, 2016''': Google announced that 5 million Cardboard viewers were shipped and 25 million Cardboard apps were installed from Google Play.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Type || DIY Phone VR
|-
| Material || Corrugated cardboard
|-
| Lenses || 45mm biconvex
|-
| Field of View || ~80-90°
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF (phone sensors)
|-
| Phone Size || 3.5" - 6.0"
|-
| Weight || ~70-100g
|-
| Price || ~$15-25
|-
| Status || Discontinued (2021)
|}


'''February 10, 2016''': Google announced native support for [[Unity]] during the [[Vision Summit 2016]] [[event]].
== See Also ==
* [[Google]]
* [[Google Daydream]]
* [[Phone VR]]
* [[DIY VR]]
* [[Mobile VR]]


'''March 2, 2017''': Google announced that 10 million cardboards were shipped, 160 million downloads of cardboard apps were downloaded from Google Play and the 30 most popular apps have more than 1 million downloads.
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


==References==
[[Category:Devices]]
<references />
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
 
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
 
[[Category:Phone VR]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:DIY VR]]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:Open source hardware]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]

Revision as of 22:10, 7 January 2026

Google Cardboard
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Phone VR (DIY)
Platform Android, iOS
Creator Google
Price ~$15-25
Website https://developers.google.com/cardboard
System
CPU Host phone dependent
GPU Host phone dependent
Storage
Storage Host phone dependent
Display
Display Phone display
Resolution Phone dependent
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 3DoF (phone sensors)
Audio
Microphone Phone microphone
Connectivity
Connectivity Phone dependent
Device
Weight ~70-100g
Sensors Phone dependent
Input Magnetic trigger (v1) / Conductive button (v2)


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.[1]

History and Development

Google I/O 2014

Google surprised attendees at Google I/O 2014 by distributing cardboard VR viewers, introducing the concept of accessible, DIY virtual reality.

Open Source Design

Google made the specifications freely available, including:

  • Parts list
  • Schematics
  • Assembly instructions

Two Versions

  • Cardboard 1.0: iPhone 5 sized, magnet trigger, 25mm lenses
  • Cardboard 2.0: Larger phones, conductive button, 37mm lenses

Discontinuation

Google discontinued Cardboard in 2021, releasing the SDK as open source.

Design Specifications

Materials

  • Body: E-flute corrugated cardboard (1.5-1.7mm thick)
  • Minimum Size: 22cm x 56cm sheet
  • Three Parts: Chassis, t-shirt, button

Lenses

  • Type: Biconvex plastic
  • Focal Length: 45mm
  • Diameter: 25mm (v1.0) or 37mm (v2.0)

Trigger Mechanism

  • Version 1.0: Magnetic trigger using phone's magnetometer
  • Version 2.0: Conductive button with "pillow" and "strip"

Additional Components

  • Hook and loop fasteners
  • Rubber band
  • Optional NFC tag

Phone Compatibility

Screen Size

  • Fits phones 3.5" to 6.0"

Requirements

  • Gyroscope sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Android or iOS

Building Your Own

DIY Materials

  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Biconvex lenses (45mm focal length)
  • Magnets (optional)
  • Hook and loop fasteners
  • Rubber band

Viewer Profile Generator

Google provided a tool to create QR codes for custom viewers, allowing apps to automatically calibrate.

Certified Viewers

Many manufacturers produced certified Cardboard-compatible viewers:

  • Premium materials (plastic, fabric)
  • Improved comfort
  • Additional features

Software Platform

Cardboard SDK

  • Unity support
  • Unreal Engine support
  • Native Android/iOS support
  • Now open source

Compatible Apps

  • YouTube VR
  • Google Street View
  • Discovery VR
  • Thousands of Cardboard-compatible apps

Legacy

Google Cardboard's impact on VR:

  • 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

Specification Details
Type DIY Phone VR
Material Corrugated cardboard
Lenses 45mm biconvex
Field of View ~80-90°
Tracking 3DoF (phone sensors)
Phone Size 3.5" - 6.0"
Weight ~70-100g
Price ~$15-25
Status Discontinued (2021)

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Google Cardboard". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Cardboard.
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