When technology manufacturers joined en masse to bet on virtual reality complex and expensive devicesThe Mountain View company surprised everyone with Google CardboardHe did it with his first version of some glasses virtual reality of cardboard and that, apparently, the only thing special about them was a pair of glasses. It is the cheap virtual realityAnd its operation is really interesting.
Google CardboardIn fact, it is a platformThat is, a set of hardware and software for virtual reality. Regarding the software, there is apps designed for this purpose are available on the Google Play Store exclusively for Android, but also other cross-platform apps, such as YouTubeThese features can be used on iOS. And regarding the hardware, which is perhaps the most interesting part, it all starts with Google's own cardboard virtual reality glasses, although there are models based on the same concept with a plastic body, which are more comfortable and durable, and obviously more expensive.
This is what Google Cardboard is like, the cardboard virtual reality glasses
In its first iteration, Google Cardboard came with a structure of folding cartonTwo resin lenses, magnetic button and a simple assembly in 12 stepsLater, the Mountain View firm revised the concept and launched the version 2.0This revision simplified the assembly to just 3 steps and added a head restraint system so you can use the glasses without having to hold them all the time. In addition, the magnetic button was replaced with a more reliable interaction system.
Little by little, Google has been updating its specifications based on version 2.0, but always with the idea of allowing smartphones to be inserted. up to 8 inches of screen diagonal. The platform's technical documents use several size ranges for different revisions: from mobile phones with screens of 4 to 6 inches In the early designs, even models capable of housing terminals of 4 to 8 inches in more recent variants of the compatible viewers.
The optical heart of Cardboard is its lenseswhich act like a magnifying glass and give feeling of depthThe fields of vision for the left and right eyes are separated by a cardboard strip in the center of the glasses, creating a stereoscopic image. This configuration makes the pixel density The key to the mobile phone's performance is: the higher the resolution and pixels per inch of the screen, sharper The VR experience will be better and the grid effect will be less noticeable.
Some versions and commercial models also incorporate small thumb holes at the bottom of the casing. This solution replaces the conductive button or magnet and allows you to directly touch the phone's screen with your finger. This provides a simple and quick interaction to navigate menus or control games, avoiding the breakage problems that certain physical buttons had in previous versions.
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The Google version costs approx. 14 EurosBut there are even cheaper options: you can find them for 8 Euros, from Vusion and Maxbox, or even by 5 Euros The Irusu V2. The plastic modelsbut based on Google Cardboard, they are available around 20 Eurosand slightly higher prices, and can be purchased from the exact same place. Obviously, the immersive experience isn't as complete as with more expensive and advanced devices.
Within the family of Cardboard-inspired viewers, there are also third-party versions with elastic strapswith more refined finishes and minor ergonomic improvements, but they all share the same philosophy: a basic VR headset which turns your mobile phone into the screen and brain of the experience. Many manufacturers even take advantage of Google's open design to launch their own models certified under the program. “Works with Google Cardboard”which ensures good lens and screen alignment using codes QR calibration.
How cheap virtual reality works with Google Cardboard
Cardboard is Google's foray into a field where it had previously shown no expertise. Unlike the Google Glass initiative, these augmented reality glasses—a project with advanced technology and high costs—, this initiative aims at a cheap virtual reality y (Custom)In simple terms, it is a device made, as its English name suggests, with cardboard.
Let's quickly review, for those who don't know, what the virtual realityBasically, it is a set of technologies that aim to produce the feeling of living in a digital world which is not ours. Thanks to the combination of different devices (for example, glasses, helmets, motion sensors, headphones) with specially designed programs, the user is given the possibility of dive in another reality built entirely on computers, consoles or smartphones, and feel that you are really there.
Historically, these types of devices were quite expensiveThat's why Google's proposal is disruptive: to use our mobile phone in a frame constructed from cardboard, glue, and elastic bands, to enjoy an affordable VR experience. This allows a user to have an initial introduction to virtual reality with minimal investment, without needing a powerful PC or a high-end headset.
The secret to how it works isn't very complicated: the cardboard structure serves to hold the phone at a certain height. 4 centimeters from the eyes and restrict the rest of the visual field. On the screen, the images appear information andone for each eye, but being so close and thanks to the small lenses Placed in the box, the brain merges both views and perceives them as a single three-dimensional image.
Furthermore, the phone takes care of almost everything: its gyroscope’s most emblematic landmarks, the accelerometer and, in some cases, the magnetometerThey detect head movements and allow the virtual scene to respond in real time. This makes the smartphone the true engine of the experience, with Cardboard simply acting as a case that orients, centers, and enhances the view.
Quality of experience, sound, and smartphone requirements
In the case of Google Cardboard, the quality The experience is marked, above all, by the technical characteristics of the smartphone screenA high resolution, good pixel density, and a panel with balanced colors They reduce the grid-like feeling and make virtual environments much more pleasant.
El Screen size This also plays a role. Although the platform supports different screen sizes, headsets typically offer the best balance with screens between [insert size range here]. 5 and 6 inchesbecause they allow a wide viewing angle while maintaining good sharpness. In later versions and improved models, compatibility has been expanded to mobile phones up to 8 inchesdesigned for phablets and some large-format devices.
El It's independent: we have to use headphones that aren't included with Google Cardboard and can be wired or Bluetooth. Ideally, the viewer should be combined with noise-canceling headphones to enhance the experience. feeling of immersionIt is important to keep in mind that the adjustment of the glasses themselves should not prevent the use of headphones of certain characteristics or designs, especially if the headphones are very bulky.
On the other hand, Google provides a SDK and developer tools which facilitate the creation of applications adapted to Cardboard. Many of these apps are available on Google Play, and some also take advantage of iOS compatibility through unofficial SDKs. Thus, it is possible to find experiences ranging from virtual tours360-degree videos or small VR games including educational content viewers and simple simulators.
For health and comfort reasons, it is recommended not to use Cardboard during prolonged periods. They may appear nausea, dizzinessDisorientation or eye strain may occur, especially if the screen has low resolution or the refresh rate is insufficient. Children should not use these glasses without adult supervision, and if they suffer from eye strain, they should consult a doctor. epilepsy or similar history, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before trying this type of experience.
How to use Google Cardboard step by step
The use of Google Cardboard is intended to be very easyThis applies to both the official model and other compatible cardboard or plastic viewers. The basic process for starting to view VR content with your mobile phone is usually as follows:
- Download the Google Cardboard app (or the official app of the compatible viewer) on the mobile device.
- Grant the application the camera permissions and sensors, essential for running the viewing system and motion tracking.
- scan the unit’s QR code of the viewfinder, if available, to calibrate the experience and adjust parameters such as interpupillary distance or screen size.
- Place the smartphone inside the glasses made of cardboard, with the screen facing the lenses and well centered in the structure.
- run the virtual reality app that you want, within the Cardboard app or through any other app compatible with this system.
Many third-party models further simplify the process by adding illustrated instructions on the packaging itself and solutions such as buttons for interaction, strategic thumb holes, or even labels. NFC that automatically launch the Cardboard app when you bring the phone close.
Advantages and disadvantages of cardboard virtual reality glasses
The virtual reality glasses Cardboard VR headsets are the simplest and cheapest way to start experimenting with virtual reality. These cardboard VR glasses can be found on the market for as little as two euros In their most basic versions, they've even been given away with some consumer products. It's logical to assume that the properties and qualities of these glasses have nothing to do with other high-end glasses. However, they are glasses designed for those who want try the world of virtual reality without investing too much.
To use these cardboard virtual reality glasses, all you need is a smartphone where you can run apps and games, or play virtual reality content. With just your mobile device and those simple glasses, you're ready to start experimenting with numerous apps and games Available on Google Play. Cardboard has several models. Some of these are Google Cardboard and Cartonglass.
Advantages and disadvantages of cardboard virtual reality glasses
The most important advantage is the priceFor just two euros you can get these glasses. What's more, some brands are now giving them away with the purchase of certain products. Another advantage worth highlighting is the fact that there is a immense amount of content which allow you to enjoy these experiences from the very first moment. And finally, all we need is a smartphone to be able to live virtual experiences.
There are many advantages, but also disadvantages. The main one is the quality of experienceIt's not great; it could only be described as decent. Another drawback is that, being such a basic pair of glasses, it relies heavily on smartphones. totalincluding tracking our head or detecting movement.
In many cases it doesn't reach immerse yourself completely in the content. For this reason, many describe it more as a way to "view" virtual reality content than to experience it in depth. And finally, these glasses are not the most suitable for prolonged use: sensations of dizziness or nausea during sessions in virtual worlds.
These glasses have many advantages and disadvantages. If you just want to try out the world of virtual reality, they're a good option. It's very likely that if you enjoy the experience, you'll eventually upgrade to other VR headsets. higher quality and with better benefits.
DIY, open project and compatible content
One of the keys to Cardboard's success is that it follows the philosophy of DIY (Do It Yourself(or "do it yourself") and it's a project openGoogle released the structural plans So that any user can reproduce the cardboard glasses at home and adapt them to their needs. If you wear prescription glasses, for example, you can modify the front of the cardboard so they fit better inside the box; if the visor is too big, you can trim and adjust it to fit your head better.
The steps to make it are quite simple: first you have to download the Cardboard application on any compatible phone, then download and print the plans From the cardboard eyeglasses, cut out the pieces and glue them together according to the instructions. The only relatively difficult component to obtain are the focusing lensesSome DIY projects involve disassembling toy binoculars and reusing their lenses. The result isn't perfect, but it can be sufficient for experimenting.
The official app comes with some basic but very entertaining content: many experiences integrate with Google platforms such as Google Earth, Street View o Google Expeditionsallowing users to virtually stroll through cities, explore monuments, or view 360-degree videos. There are also tours of iconic landmarks, mini-games, and simulations designed specifically for this format.
In addition, Google made everything available to the community necesario so that developers with programming knowledge can create new apps and experiences For Cardboard. Libraries, documentation, and examples help generate more content as the community keeps the platform alive, even after the physical product is no longer officially sold.
And if you already have compatible glasses and don't know how to use them, you can take a look at best virtual reality games for Android and start taking advantage of it from the first minute with titles designed for the Cardboard format.
Virtual reality is positioned as one of the great technological revolutions accessible to all budgets, and Google Cardboard has been the perfect entry point for those who want to experience it without spending a lot of money. Although it has never aimed to compete in features with high-end viewers, it does achieve democratize the experience and turn any compatible smartphone into a simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective window to other worlds.
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