Google Cardboard
| Google Cardboard | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Phone VR (DIY) |
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Creator | |
| 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) |