How about cardboard VR headsets, Google Cardboard?
Google Cardboard was developed by Google as a platform for Virtual Reality (VR) developed. Cardboards were developed in all shapes and colors and were popular giveaways about 10 years ago at Measure.
After Google discontinued direct support, the Google Cardboard community has continued to develop activities to keep the platform alive. Developers and companies have released their own versions of Cardboard-like VR headsets, building upon the original concept.
Although Google Cardboard is no longer actively supported by Google, it remains a low-cost entry option for VR experiences and continues to be used by some users and developers.
There are still many cheap plastic VR headsets that smartphones can be inserted into. These headsets generally have the same limitations as cardboard ones. If you see a VR headset under €300 on Amazon on sale, it's likely a type of cardboard. Standalone all-in-one VR headsets with positional tracking and controllers usually cost more.
Pros and cons of using Google Cardboard for VR
Pro:
- Affordability Google Cardboard is relatively inexpensive compared to other VR headsets on the market. It can be a cost-effective entry point for those who want to try VR without investing in expensive equipment.
- Device compatibility: Google Cardboard is compatible with a wide variety of smartphones, including both Android and iOS devices. This allows for broader accessibility and ease of use.
- Portability and Lightweight: The Cardboard headset is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you and use in various locations. It's a convenient option for on-the-go VR experiences.
- Easy setup: Setting up Google Cardboard is simple and doesn't require complex configurations. Assembling the headset and connecting it with a smartphone typically involve basic steps and don't need extensive technical knowledge.
- Accessible Content: A variety of content is available for Google Cardboard through various VR apps and platforms. Many developers are creating experiences specifically designed for Cardboard, allowing users to explore different virtual environments, games, and educational content.
Con
- Limited Immersion and Quality: Compared to high-end headsets, Google Cardboard offers a modest VR experience. Using a smartphone as a display limits the level of immersion and visual quality. The overall experience is not very immersive or realistic due to lower resolution and limited tracking capabilities.
- Missing advanced features: Google Cardboard does not offer the advanced features found in more sophisticated VR systems, such as motion control or integrated sensors for precise tracking. Interaction with the virtual environment may be limited to head movements and a single button on the Cardboard device. Cardboard is therefore more suited for 360° Videos suitable.
- Comfort and Durability Although light and portable, a Cardboard is not the most comfortable option for extended VR sessions. Furthermore, the materials used in the construction of Cardboard do not offer long-term durability.
- Compatibility Restrictions: Although Google Cardboard is compatible with a wide variety of smartphones, certain older or lower-performance devices may have difficulty running VR content smoothly. The experience can vary depending on the phone's processing power, screen resolution, and gyroscope capabilities. This means that the user experience can differ significantly depending on the phone used.
- Limited field of vision Google Cardboard generally offers a narrower field of view compared to high-end VR headsets. Keyword: tunnel vision
Conclusion:
Mixed feelings about Cardboard
It offers an easy entry into VR without major hardware costs... but wait, is that really VR? There are no controllers, so users' interaction options are very limited. A Cardboard might be a good idea if you 360° Video Content want to distribute, which does not offer much interaction. However, this solution is not high-quality. It is also not guaranteed that your audience will take the time to use the Cardboard. For this, you also need a matching app on your smartphone. We recommend the Cardboard as a potential extension of 360° video content. At trade fairs or at Point of Sale should one always go for high-end VR headsets, like the Quest or the Pico 4 The quality of the presentation and even the ergonomics of the headset play too large a role in the user experience of a VR presentation to compete with unworthy cheap solutions.
Cardboard VR from yesterday
It should also be mentioned that the innovation factor of Cardboards has long since evaporated. When Virtual Reality (VR) was still new around 2015 and many people didn't know what the technology was, Cardboard was a simple way to give newcomers an insight into the technology.
Today, the use of Cardboards should be well thought out in relation to their limitations.
