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Google gives developers a low-cost VR headset made out of #cardboard [VIDEO]

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Google Cardboard eye holes

It was back in 2009, a fella from Recombu constructed a makeshift VR headset for the MyTouch 3G using only tape and scissors. While many were quick to scoff at the idea, it appears it was our own Rob Jackson who had the foresight in seeing how this could one day change the way we use our Android devices. Fast forward to today’s Google I/O developer conference and wouldn’t you know it — the dude was right.

Google Cardboard 2

Android lead Sundar Pichai announced onstage that — in addition to the LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live, and Motorola Moto 360 — attendees would be receiving a cardboard box capable of transforming an Android device into a full fledged VR headset.

After folding the box together, a phone slips into the provided slot and when using the companion app, the eye holes create a sort of virtual reality environment, not unlike Recombu’s from 5 years ago. Check out our very quick unboxing below.

Apparently Cardboard was created as part of Google’s own “20 Percent” project that allows employees to devote 20% of their time on a side-project. Because VR headsets are all the rage these days — and quite expensive — Google came up with this low-cost alternative.

Google Cardboard ingredients

Given this is a developer conference, Google encourages developers to come up with their own VR apps using their experimental SDK, posting their experiences online using the #cardboard hashtag. You can also join up with the Google+ community here. The best part? You can create your very own headset out of a pizza box (order a large) thanks to Google’s step-by-step instructions on their landing page here.

And we all laughed at this guy…

Chris Chavez
I've been obsessed with consumer technology for about as long as I can remember, be it video games, photography, or mobile devices. If you can plug it in, I have to own it. Preparing for the day when Android finally becomes self-aware and I get to welcome our new robot overlords.

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6 Comments

  1. That’s hilarious! Too bad it’s not April.

  2. I wonder if google will sell these.. If they’re fairly cheap, I’d pick one up just for laughs…

    1. Lol. I would pick one up also.

  3. Quite a few on Ebay. Prices are laughable. Tried to make one, gave up after spending about 20 minutes trying to cut one one section. The time and effort to make this some the possibility of 10 minutes on enjoyment is a bit out of balance. I figure to make a good one would take atleast 3 hours

  4. Stay classy Google.

  5. Available from DoDOCase for $25 w/ NFC Tag, $2 standard shipping.

    Use Promo Code; USA1 for 25% off. Cost me $20.71 shipped

    http://www.dodocase.com/products/google-cardboard-vr-goggle-toolkit

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