How to make your own Google Cardboard VR headset?

How to make your own Google Cardboard VR headset?

Summary

Since the launch of the Oculus Quest, the future of smartphone VR headsets seems compromised in the face of stand-alone headsets. However, if you cannot afford to invest in such a device, Cardboard remains a cheap alternative allowing you to easily enter the RV at a lower cost.



Through this tutorial, you will discover how to make your own Google Cardboard headset. All you will need is a little cardboard, design, lenses and a system to place your smartphone in the helmet.

What is a Google Cardboard?

Le Google Cardboard was launched in 2014 by Google, in order to simplify access to VR for as many people as possible. To put it simply, it is a cardboard box equipped with 45 mm lenses, with a fastening system for the smartphone, a magnet and a rubber band. Once the kit is assembled, just insert an Android or iOS smartphone to get started in virtual reality.

Over time, many companies have released their own variations of the original Google Cardboard. It is possible to buy one of its inexpensive helmets on the Google store, or simply make your own. The operation is quick and easy.

How to choose the materials for the Cardboard?

How to make your own Google Cardboard VR headset?


Several criteria should be taken into account when choosing the materials for your Cardboard. Depending on the design you choose, you will need to choose the most suitable cardboard thickness. You should also choose a type of cardboard that is strong enough to hold your smartphone.


Also think in terms of sustainability. The more resistant the materials chosen, the more your Cardboard will stand the test of time. For more strength, you can opt for a wooden helmet rather than cardboard ...

Where to download the Google Cardboard template?

Before you start building your Cardboard, you will obviously need a template. This document in PDF format can be downloaded from the Google website and printed directly in cardboard or paper. In the second case, you will have to cut the cardboard following the paper.

Several templates are available, but all are similar. The official template, available from Google, is designed to work with all Android smartphones and iPhones. It is therefore a safe bet.

Where to get Google Cardboard lenses?

Lenses are essential for the operation of your Cardboard. This is the most expensive component, but its price is not excessively high. You can buy Cardboard compatible lenses on Amazon, with optimal dimensions of 34 mm in diameter and a focal width of 45 mm.

He ist also possible to manufacture them. To do this, you will need a plastic bottle, scissors, glue, a syringe and a little water. This video will guide you through the different stages of the process:


Tutorials for building your Google Cardboard

Now that you have all the materials and template you need to build your Google Cardboard, you can get started with building it. If you are not quite sure about yourself, here are some video tutorials to help you.

Cette first video shows how to make a VR headset very easily using only a few strips of cardboard. The many dimensions displayed on the screen will allow you to reproduce the operation with ease.


The second video, more original in its approach, simply offers turn a smartphone box into a Google Cardboard headset. Whether you have an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy or any other smartphone, the box can double as a VR headset. A few stabs and a thong will suffice.

In this last video, you will discover how to make the FoloVR : an alternative to the Google Cardboard requiring to be held like a binocular. This device has the advantage of being foldable and small enough to fit in the pocket. However, your smartphone will only be secured by a pair of elastic bands and may fall ...


Download VR movies and video games for your Google Cardboard

Now that your Google Cardboard is assembled, it all you have to do is download virtual reality games and videos. To do this, you can go to the iOS App Store or the Android Play Store.

There you will find many Cardboard compatible applications! Welcome to virtual reality! To help you choose, feel free to check out our ranking of the best Google Cardboard games.



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