Cardboard

A starting point for phone-based VR

Cardboard turns an Android phone into a simple virtual reality viewer when used with a compatible Cardboard-style headset. It is aimed at people trying mobile VR for the first time, as well as developers who want a compact example of Google’s Cardboard platform in action. The app helps connect the phone to a viewer and provides an entry point for compatible immersive experiences.

What it does

The setup process uses a viewer’s QR code to apply the right display settings for its lenses. That makes Cardboard useful when switching between different viewers, since the phone can use the configuration intended for the hardware in hand. From there, users can open supported VR experiences and explore 360-degree content designed for split-screen viewing.

Who may find it useful

This is best suited to curious users with an inexpensive mobile headset rather than people looking for a full VR platform with a large built-in content library. It also belongs on a developer’s test device: the package is part of Google’s Cardboard sample ecosystem, making it relevant for examining how phone-based VR interactions are presented. Results will still depend on the phone’s screen, sensors and compatibility with the viewer.

At a glance

• Developer: Google LLC
• Category: Libraries & Demo
• Rating: 3.38 from 162,864 reviews
• Installs: 10,000,000+

Those numbers suggest broad reach, but the middling rating also points to a mixed experience across different phones, viewers and expectations. Cardboard makes sense as a straightforward introduction or reference app; it is less compelling if you already use a more developed standalone VR system.