Google Cardboard – Headset Review
If you’ve ever wanted a VR experience that was part tech and part middle school art project, then you’ll love Google Cardboard. It’s the least expensive VR system on the market, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Google Cardboard is less like a poor man’s Oculus Rift and more like a gateway into the burgeoning world of virtual reality.
A Novel Idea
Google Cardboard isn’t a metal or plastic encased VR system, but literally a folded cardboard box and some lenses. It looks like something high tech Boy Scouts would make on a Silicon Valley camping trip. There are two ways to go about creating or using Google Cardboard. You can download the specs from Google, head into the basement, grab a cardboard box and cut it into the proper shape. Then, hop over to a hobby store for a few lenses, and you’re done.
If you’re not a diorama kind of person, then you can purchase a completed headset from Google or a third party. These can range from the basic models, starting around $15, such as the standard model from Google and The Google Tech C1-Glass. If you want to get a little fancy, then the View-Master VR from Mattel will bring back childhood memories for $30. If want something a little more futuristic looking, then the VR ONE GX by Zeiss will set you back about $120. The original, as well as many of the other models, are handheld with no straps to hold it on your head, but some do provide straps to create a snug fit.
They are so inexpensive that you might get one as swag from an industry event emblazoned with the company’s logo as well.
VR Lite
The most important component to the Google Cardboard is a compatible smartphone. It can take most smartphones, including Android and Apple, with 6-inch view screens. You simply pop it in the slot, and you’re ready to go. In this way, it’s like Samsung’s Gear VR, but lacks a focusing ability and directional touch pad. It does have a rather flimsy control knob you can use to tap on the phone from inside the machine. I can see this being the first thing breaking. Otherwise, you’d have to stick your finger inside every time you needed to click something.
Much of the programs, videos and games are accessible through the Google Cardboard App. The resolution depends on the phone. The better the resolution, the better the experience. Also, you’ll want to clean everything off the screen because the lenses magnify the screen and any blemishes are massive.
Content is Basic, but Plentiful
Google doesn’t do anything small, so they have a wealth of content available, but it’s not immersive digital worlds like on the higher price machines. YouView 360 is a video channel on YouTube dedicated to 360 degree VR videos. You can turn your head and look all around, but be careful not to miss out on what’s going on. Google also adapted Google Street View for Cardboard as well. You can look at everything the world has to offer, including your own house.
If you’re looking for games, then try Caaaaardboard! Given the lack of control for the headset, the game is basically you jumping off a roof and trying to maneuver your body through areas as you descend to collect points. End Space VR puts you in the cockpit of a spaceship as you try to shoot enemies. It’s the perfect use of the limited controls of the cardboard.
There is so much content out there, because it can use any phone-based VR, including Discovery VR, New York Times VR, and more. The good news is that means there is also plenty of adult VR available too. You’ll find no shortage of content for Google Cardboard.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
One of the biggest problems modern VR devices needed to overcome was motion sickness and nausea. The brain is very perceptive in shifts of vision, so even when there is a millisecond delay between when your head moves and the movement in front of you, it can lead to nausea. Many of the videos available for Google cardboard are motion based, such as roller coasters. Most people have a hard time keeping lunch down on a regular roller coaster let alone a digital version. Add in the fact that you have to hold the headset to your face, and you may need to take a break every now and then.
The quality of the VR is very good, especially given the price, so don’t expect Oculus quality. The Google Cardboard isn’t designed to be your go-to VR system, but a way for people to see what VR is all about without spending an arm and a leg. If they see how cool the free version is, then they might be more willing to shell out the big money for the other systems. The speakers on the phone create the sounds unless you get a Bluetooth headset, which definitely makes the experience more immersive. Bluetooth headphones can cost as little as $20 all the way up to $200.
The biggest downfall of the Google Cardboard is what it’s made out of. Cardboard is cheap and sturdy, but not exceptionally durable. It is easily torn and bent, but given the price, it’s no big loss. It’s so inexpensive that you can even glue on some sparkles and apply unicorn stickers to jazz it up a bit.
Overall
If you’re looking to get into VR and don’t already have a Samsung phone, then Google Cardboard is the way to go. It’s inexpensive and provides a decent experience. If you have a Samsung phone, then you’re probably better off spending money on the Gear VR. With most virtual reality systems, you’ll pay a $1,000 or more if you include the high-end computer to run it, so this gets you a lot more bang for your buck. You’ll be a bystander for most of the content watching instead of interacting, but the experience is still amazing.