What is Google Cardboard

What is Google Cardboard?

It's simply a design - one you can either buy as a kit from a manufacturer or use to build your own - that utilizes cardboard and a pair of 40mm focal distance lenses to turn your phone into virtual reality headset. It also uses magnets, velcro, and a rubber band to keep everything in place.

Once put together, users set their phone into it and look through the lenses. In combination with compatible apps, this simple setup can turn interacting with your handset's screen into a seemingly real-world experience.

Now, Here's what you need to get started and u can 

make at your home :

1. Cardboard :- Corrugated cardboard sheet, preferably E Flute (corrugated cardboard comes in a variety of thicknesses called "flutes"), available at many art supply stores and online . For best results, you should look for strong, thin cardboard (sturdy shoe box rather than moving box). Minimum size: 8.75in (22cm) by 22in (56cm), and 0.06in (1.5mm) thickness.

2. Lenses :- This is the trickiest component. Lenses that have a 45mm focal distance might work. Biconvex lenses work best because they prevent distortion around the edges. We used the Durovis OpenDive Lens Kit available on Amazon.com

3. Magnets :- One neodymium ring magnet and one ceramic disk magnet - like this or this. Approximate size: 0.75in (19mm) diameter and 0.12in (3mm) thickness.

4. Velcro :- Two strips of regular strength adhesive-backed velcro. Approximate size: 0.75in (20mm) by 1.25in (30mm).

5. Rubber band :- One rubber band, to prevent the phone from sliding out. Minimum length of 3.2in (8cm).

6. NFC tag (optional) :- One sticker NFC tag. Program it with the URL cardboard://v1.0.0

7. You'll also need a ruler, glue, and scissors, an X-acto knife, or access to a laser cutter.

How to make a Google Cardboard VR headset 

Step 1. If you've ever completed an old jigsaw that you've found lying in the loft, you'll know how important it is to make sure you have all the pieces before you begin. In the box you should find two lenses, two magnets, two Velco pads and three pieces of cardboard. You'll need to supply your own Android phone, obviously, which must run Android 4.1 or later and have no larger than a 6in screen.

Step 2. This is the annoying bit. The cardboard has been pre-cut, but the unwanted material has not been removed. You'll need to carefully press out the cutouts without ripping or bending the card. That shouldn't be too difficult, though: it's pretty sturdy.

Step 3. Place the two supplied lenses in the large circular holes (it doesn't matter which way around they go), then fold the cardboard around the front and back to keep them in place. You can use a bit of tape or glue to secure them if necessary.

Step 4. Fold the main piece into shape starting with the section shown in our photo. The circle should face inward, and is used to hold the magnets. Again, you can use glue or tape if you like, but it's not necessary.

Step 5. Now fold this component around the piece with the lenses, with the centre hole facing the front. The small divider piece slots in here to make sure each of your eyes see only the images intended for them.

Step 6. Create an easily opened yet secure compartment for your phone by using the two Velcro pads to fasten the flap to the top of the headset.

Step 7. Next you need to download the Cardboard app from Google Play. It's a large app - 74.63MB - so make sure you both have room on your phone and that you're connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 8. Place your phone inside the Google Cardboard headset so that the camera can be seen through the cutout. It looks as though it won't fit because the divider is in the way, but the Velcro should give you enough wiggle room to secure your phone in place. Note that you might need to take off any case you might be using first.

How to operate Google Cardboard 

With the Google Cardboard app launched and your phone inside the headset, you'll feel it vibrate. You can then look left and right to scroll through the menu - from Tutorial to Tour Guide, Exhibit, Windy Day, Earth, YouTube, Photo Sphere and Street Vue. 

All the apps are cool - we particularly like Windy Day, a cute game in which you have to search the forest for a mouse - but they are relatively limited. For example, with Exhibit you get to look at only one item; in Google Earth you get to explore only one corner of the world; and in Street Vue you don't get to pick your street or where you go.

YouTube is one of the best of the bunch: you look around left and right to see multiple video screens, then stare at one and pull down the magnet to play it. The video will open on what looks like a cinema screen, from which you can look down to select voice search.