Google Cardboard

Virtual reality is the new rage. There are VR headsets that cost thousands of dollars, but you can get the idea of how this works with an inexpensive tool available from Amazon or other sites called Google Cardboard. You can download instructions on how to create this on your own, but it is simpler to just purchase it.

The Google Cardboard site provides view options, favorite 3D apps, and information for those who want to develop 3D experiences.

Want to know how it works? Watch this.

For our purposes, we're just going to try it out. All it takes is a smartphone and a Google Cardboard device.

1. Before starting, download the Google Cardboard app from the Apps store or Google Play.
2. Download one or more of the other apps created for Google Cardboard. On the iPhone try Cardboard Crash, ACM VR (museum), Solar Vovage, Liftoff VR. You can also use this with Google Maps Street View.
3. Remove the cover from your phone. The magnetic ring on the side which is used as a button doesn't work well with the cover on.
4. Scan the barcode on the Google Cardboard. That will set up the specific settings for your phone.
5. Put your phone in the cardboard holder. The cardboard divider in Google Cardboard should line up with the line down the middle of the phone.
6. Move your head to scan different apps. Use the magnetic ring (slide up and down) to make a selection. To switch apps, you generally have to take the phone out and do this manually.
7. Try out some of the apps.
8. Check out YouTube videos created for Google Cardboard
   • Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur: https://youtu.be/rfh-64s5va4
   • Playlists of 3D videos: http://bit.ly/1TY2SuK
9. Read about
   • Expeditions (virtual fieldtrips with Google Cardboard): https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/
   • Field Trip on Polar Bears: http://googleforeducation.blogspot.ca/2016/02/A-field-trip-to-the-polar-bear-capital-of-the-world.htm

Resources

• Google Cardboard community: https://plus.google.com/+GoogleCardboard
• Resources for purchase or creating your own: https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/get-cardboard/