WHAT IS GOOGLE CARDBOARD?

Google Cardboard is a complete virtual reality platform. It is essentially an app and a viewer containing a couple of lenses held a certain distance from a smartphone screen. When viewed through those lenses, it creates a virtual reality, the smartphone screen appears to be 3-D.

HUH, VIRTUAL REALITY?

An artificial generated environment consisting of images and sounds that is affected by the actions of a person who is experiencing it. It not only creates a life like scenario for the user to experience but also provides an opportunity for the user to interact with the environment as if it were real.

SERIOUSLY, WHAT CAN IT DO?

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine if you were in the picture, you could-
1. Ride on a virtual roller coaster, experiencing the speed and the vertigo.
2. See in details locations and places you have always wanted to visit.
3. Explore underwater wrecks while avoiding sharks.
4. Experience fear in a whole new level in a haunted house.
5. Explore the nerve pathways of a deranged human mind.
6. Plays 3-D games in a completely different pattern.

BUT I HAVE VIDEO GAMES AND MOVIES THAT CAN DO THAT?

No matter how interesting a movie or a game is, the peripheral vision will always acknowledge the edge of the television. Once the line of vision does not include what you were focusing on, the experience loses its appeal and mental concentration reduces. With the Google cardboard, field of vision is immersed into the experience. Imagine watching a fight scene in a movie; you can look away and see the walls within the room of the fight scene, not the walls in your living room.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Google Cardboard app splits the smartphone display image into two, one for each of your eyes. The effect produces a solid or three dimensional image that completely fills your field of vision, and immerses you into a virtual world. The viewer, into which the phone is inserted, combines the two images into one. Certain components in the phone orient the screen such that the screen adjust the view of what you see no matter where the head turns to.

SO, WHY GOOGLE CARDBOARD VIEWER?

1. Experience the world of 3-D from the comfort of your home
2. No extra equipment required; just your phone and a viewer
3. Affordable; compared to Oculus Rift ($350) or Samsung’s Gear VR headsets ($200)
4. Sturdy and portable.

AWESOME, SO WHAT DO I NEED?

1. A phone that runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or newer.
2. Google cardboard app installed in the phone
3. Phone must have gyroscope capability (not mandatory)
4. Phone must respond to a magnet

Some android phones do not have gyroscope capability. A simple way to check is to install an app called Magnetometer from the play store. Place the phone on a table and start the app. Then, using a magnet, move it around the edges of the phone but do not touch the phone with the magnet. A degree of deflection will be recorded by the app if the phone supports gyroscope capability. If the meter doesn’t deflect, the phone does not have the capability. The Google cardboard viewer can still be utilized but will limited functionality.

BUT I USE AN IPHONE/ WINDOWS PHONE?

Although initially made for android phones, the Google cardboard app has been upgraded to be utilized on IPhone and windows phone that have gyroscope capability. The first version of Cardboard could fit phones with screens up to 5.7 inches (140 mm) and used magnets as input buttons, which required a compass sensor in the phone. An updated design released at Google I/O 2015 works with phones up to 6 inches (150 mm) and replaces the magnet switch with a conductive lever that triggers a touch event on the phone's screen for better compatibility across devices. A port of the Google Cardboard demonstration app to Apple's iOS mobile operating system was released at the same conference.

BUT WINDOWS PHONE DOESN’T HAVE GOOGLE CARDBOARD APP?

Windows does have alternative apps that produce the same effect; search the windows store for “VR”, “VIRTUAL REALITY” or “SIMULATION”. You can also visit this URL to experience an online 3-D video.
http://vr.chromeexperiments.com

BEFORE I GET THE VIEWER, COULD I GET A 3-D EXAMPLE ON MY ANDROID PHONE?

1. Go to the play store, search for “SEAWORLD VR 2”. Install and play. Click on “3D” (cube picture at the far left) and when it loads move the phone around.
2. Go to the play store, search for “JURASSIC DINO VR”. Install and play. Click on “NORMAL MODE”.



ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO USING THE VIEWER?

1. The viewer contains very strong magnets capable of affecting pace makers. Handle with care
2. It is capable of causing “VR sickness” i.e. the video can be so real it can induce vertigo and dizziness but not in all cases. It is recommended that the viewer is utilized while sitting.
3. Not suitable for children under the age of 5 because of “2”.
4. Keep in mind that Google Cardboard won't turn any app into a 3D experience.

VERY INTERESTING BUT AS A BUSINESS MAN/WOMAN, HOW CAN I USE IT TO MAKE MONEY?

“You are only limited by your imagination”. Welcome to photosphere

REAL ESTATE: have a high class property or landscape a client is interested in but have difficulty setting up an onsite survey? No problem. Using a capable phone, take a 360 degree view of various locations on the site and send it to the client. Better yet, use 3-D Google earth to get a bird’s eye view of the site. Take the client on a guided tour of the rooms of the property he/she can view from the comfort of his/her home. For an example, click on the GUIDED TOUR of the largest castle in the world in the Google cardboard app.

ARCHITECT: with modern software, 3-D models of building can be created. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your client could appreciate every room, staircase and structure before the foundation is laid? Turn your drawings into 3-D structures or make a gallery of different structures utilizing just your phone.

ENGINEERING: planning a field trip for a large class of interns? Comparing components or structures and pictures just wouldn’t do? Explaining the mechanisms of a delicate machine that scare and expensive? Why don’t you view a 3-D model of the structure or location? Cut down on logistics and travel expenditures. For example, below is a photosphere picture mars rover on Mars and the lunar landing as well as the insides of a washing machine.

INTERIOR DECOURATOR: there’s a big difference between pictures and seeing the actual decor. Take your interested buyers on a guided tour of your painting gallery or your collections from the comfort of their homes. Take your business to the next level and go virtual. For example, below is a photosphere picture of the interior of Saint Paul Cathedral in London.

TOURISM: want to experience Yankari game reserve or Obudu cattle ranch but pictures just don’t cut it? Showcase a 360 degree, breath taking view of the top of Zuma rock, waterfalls in Cross River or explore Olumo rock with your phone. For example, below is a photosphere 360 degree view of the mono rail from Sandia Peak in New Mexico and the view of from a hot air balloon ride over Seattle, Washington.

ADVERTISMENT/ JOUNALISTS/MEDICAL STUDENTS/FASHION DESIGNERS:
With apps such as NYT-VR (New York times newspaper), Virtual Tour by AMFI ( fashion designers/ advertisement), INMIND VR (Psychiatry), the world of virtual reality is here to stay and growing.

browse through some pictures here http://pages.swcp.com/adric/pano/

FINALLY The cardboard can now be utilized to play SOME PC games in 3D,. compatible games include
GZ3Doom
Dear Esther
Crysis 2
Amnesia, Dark descent ( the game is scarry enough in 2D)
Rise of Flight
Condor gliding simulator
Arma 2
Dirt 3
stay tuned for more info

Ok

where can i get it from?

INSPIRED BY GOOGLE – CARDBOARD VIEWER

This is a structure through which 3-D videos can be viewed on a smartphone in which the Google cardboard app has been installed.

WHY DID YOU DO IT?

Google introduced the world to 3-D capability in 2014. A year later and Nigerians are yet to appreciate the full 3- D potentials of the device they make calls with. Checking online, I found out the viewer was made of cardboard which seemed easy to make but came with a hefty price. Having experienced a 3-D TV and cinema, the thought of my phone being able to do the same was too good to miss.

HOW DID YOU DO IT?

Got the complex plan from the Google website and modified it to suit my desire. Tried to utilize as much local materials as possible and did extensive research on producing it.

WHAT MODIFICATIONS DID YOU DO?

1. The official Google cardboard viewer consist of 6 components which must be assembled by the user before use. Mine comes pre-assembled with no confusing components.
2. As stated by Google, the viewer can be used for a limited period of time before it becomes unusable. Mine is made to last much longer.
3. The cardboard material in the official cardboard is light and flexible. As shown in the picture below, my viewer can carry an XBOX 360, a Nintendo GameCube, a laptop and a portable DVD player.
4. Google “Google cardboard” and you will notice a monotonous khaki brown color. I decided to add colors to spice it up.
5. Compared to the official Google cardboard, mine is cheaper.



WHAT’S THE FUNCTION OF THE MAGNET?

The little magnet on the side is actually a quite ingenious design aspect of Google Cardboard. There are two magnets in close contact to each other. In the rest position, the gyroscope will not detect any change in the strength of the magnet. Upon deflection of the magnet, the change in magnetic strength will be detected by the gyroscope and will be registered as input by the phone without touching the phone. This is the hardest component to obtain as not all magnets work as adequately as the official viewer. Also, the location of the magnet on the viewer is different from the official viewer; it’s dependent on the location of maximal deflection as determined by the Magnetometer.

I WANT TO BUILD MY OWN VIEWER

Templates can be downloaded from Google. Please note that due to the modifications I made in the template, will not be releasing my templates. The following cardboard components are also available;
1. A pair of magnets N1000
2. A pair of cardboard lens N1000
3. Strip of Velcro strap Free

I WEAR GLASSES. CAN I USE THAT TO MAKE THE VIEWER?

No. The lens are specifically designed to interpret “barrel distortion” produced by the cardboard application, thus creating the stereoscopic 3D image seen by the eyes.

I HAVE A PAIR OF FRIDGE MAGNETS, CAN I USE THAT INSTEAD?

Typical magnets can be utilized but effectiveness of the input will be low. The strength of the magnet is important for the sensors of the phone to identity the change in the magnetic flux; too low and the phone will not identify it. Too strong and the phone will malfunction.

REQUIREMENTS FOR USE?

1. Phone MUST have 5.7 inch screen
2. A phone that runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or newer.
3. Google cardboard app installed in the phone
4. Phone must have gyroscope capability (not mandatory)
5. Phone must respond to a magnet

ERR, MY PHONE DOES NOT HAVE THAT SIZE SPECIFICATION

Apart from the focal length of the lens, the screen of phones different from the above specification produce an image distortion that is unpredictable. Technically, cardboard viewers will work on any phone with gyroscope capability but with some blurry images that can be corrected with minor adjustment.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

N2500

WHERE CAN I GET ONE?

check my signature.Currently only in Lagos. Interested in expanding to other locations

BUT I HAVE AN IPHONE/ WINDOWS PHONE

I utilized my Samsung S4 as a prototype in designing the viewer, I don’t have an IPhone or a windows phone. If I can get 10 people to indicate interest in either the IPhone or the windows phone, I will create the viewer for the phone. Please indicate the version of phone I should create it for.

It's better to buy a plastic one. I bought two Ritech vr headset II last friday for $8.11 each. It should arrive before 20th of this month.

Best to buy this online

TOP 10 VR APPS TO TRY ON GOOGLE CARDBOARD 1. INMIND VR (Best) 2. PROTON PULSE 3. SISTERS VR 4. RADIAL-D infinity 5. GALAXY VR ( Best played with a Bluetooth pad) 6. VR Danger Zombies 7. All FIBRUM apps 8. SEA WORLD VR2 9. MATA3D 10. VRSE

TOP 10 VR APPS TO TRY ON GOOGLE CARDBOARD 1. INMIND VR (Best) 2. PROTON PULSE 3. SISTERS VR 4. RADIAL-D infinity 5. GALAXY VR ( Best played with a Bluetooth pad) 6. VR Danger Zombies 7. All FIBRUM apps 8. SEA WORLD VR2 9. MATA3D 10. VRSE

HOW TO PLAY ANY PC GAME WITH GOOGLE CARDBOARD

REQUIREMENTS

1. Google cardboard app
2. Google cardboard viewer
3. Compatible phone
4. Computer with windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10 operating system
5. Trinus streaming software and android app
6. Ability to play any game or emulator on the system WINDOWED.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Install google cardboard app and trinus app into the phone from the play store.
2. Install the trinus software from the website into the computer.
3. Start the game in a windowed resolution, preferably 1024 by 576.
4. Put on the WI-FI button of the computer.
5. Start the TRINUS APP on the computer.
6. Click the two cogwheels at the top right
7. Ensure the settings match the following below
• MOTION BOOST : VIDEO FAST
• AUTO ADJUST : QUALITY MEDIUM
• FAKE ROLL : FAKE 3D ON
• DEAD ZONE : VERY CLOSE TO L
• ADJUST : LENS CARDBOARD
8. Select WI-FI at the top left. Make sure your wi-fi of the computer is on.
9. Click on the triangle power button directly beneath it. it will create a hotspot on the computer. Hover the mouse at the wifi button to get the password.
10. Connect to the hotspot with the phone and start the TRINUS app on the phone. Click the power button and a stereoscope image of the laptop screen will become visible on the phone. Note that moving the phone will move the mouse of the laptop.
11. Minimize the computer’s trinus app and go back to the game you started. Slide the phone into the viewer and start playing the virtual reality version of the game.

DIY GUIDE : MAKE A OCULUS RIFT FOR LESS THAN $10


From The time you’ve heard about Oculus rift you know you’ve wanted it, but the price is ofcourse a hole in the pocket, especially for commoners like me.But that didn’t make me give up and forget the dream of owning a Oculus! I experimented with lot of stuffs and ended up making my own DIY rift which won’t eat anything more than 10$ from your wallet.
So let’s get started right away!

Things you’ll need
Old pieces of long Cardboard (TV BOX cardboard or refrigerator ones)
Paper
Glue,Tape and Scissors
Geometry Box
LED
Old webcam that you won’t mind ripping
Rooted Android phone (ideal size -4inch+)
A pair of magnifying lenses (2X2$) or aspheric lenses.
3 infra-red LED
Conducting wire
Done with collecting the materials from your garage? then let’s begin!

Part 1

01 02 03



Building the Google cardboard Visit the official cardboard site and download the design files. After that print the design files on a paper of A3 size( I’ve tried using an A4 paper but it’s way too small to hold even a 3.5 inch smartphone) After printing, cut the design files according to the instructions on the print and paste them on to a cardboard. Now cut the cardboard accordingly. Once done with cutting, fold accordingly (as per the animation on Google cardboard’s official website) and glue the required folds. Now fix the lenses in the right place with caution. Don’t mess it up, you can either place the lens in between and leave it as it is or Stick it with some glue on its edges. Do whatever you feel like, but the lens should be tightly held in its position. Now lets move on to your smartphone to check whether you’re Google cardboard is functioning well enough! Now to further enhance your you’re experience you can add a velcro band to fasten the cardboard around your head Download the official Google cardboard app Place the phone inside the cardboard and open the cardboard app. Enjoying? Huh,well we’ve got more to it……



Part 2

0406

Tracking Gear

If you envy your friends over their Kinect or Xbox because of the awesome motion sensing games they offer, then worry no more! Google cardboard doesn’t offer face tracking , but I’ll show you how to add it. Take out the LED, cables and your old webcam that you’ve kept aside. The LED’s that you’re using must be infrared LED’s and the webcam must have a decent refresh rate.

Grind the tips of the LED’s using a Sand paper or any rough surface. This will help in diffusing the light and also in reducing the overall brightness of your headset. The next step is to soldering a wire on to the tips of the LED’s.

NOTE- Longer pin is positive

Shorter pin is negative. In case you do it the other way, the LED’s wont work. Solder both the cables to a switch and also a battery holder. Insert your batteries into the holder. Just to make sure , you’re configuration is working, point your smartphone’s cam at the LED after turning it on . If it blinks then it’s working fine!

Assemble the LED’s in V shaped as shown in the picture below. Make sure the dimensions are correct. So do use a scale for measurement. Place the LED’s at the corners shown on the picture. The wiring and other stuffs should be placed along the line. You need a support for your circuit. So I recommend old broken headphones which might be lying around or you can also use a cardboard piece. Make sure you use only light items.



Modifying your webcam Very little modification is needed for the webcam. You’ll have to turn on your LED’s and use the camera application available on your computer to check if the webcam is able to pickup the LED’s. You’re likely to see glowing points of light! In case you didn’t notice it, it’s because your camera has a IR filter. All you need to do is google about this! You’ll find step by step details on how to remove IR filter of your camera. Now place your webcam on your PC on the usual position. Make sure your head is visible.

Setting up the software
Download FacetrackNOIR and install the software in your pc. Open it and select “Point Tracker 1.0” which is present in the Tracker source option. You’ll see a small picture of your head ( tiny) in a small window. If your tracking clip is on and Face track works smoothly on your PC then you’ll see 3 dots on the window which are marked ‘+’. Once you’ve got everything configured all you need to do is make your fast fingers bash the keyboard for the best Track IR games available. You’ve something that you thought was forever out of your reach!

07

05



Finally…..

Now everything is ready, all you need to do is set the blankets right. combine the facetrack with your Google cardboard which won’t work as replacement for the rift, but surely it’s going to give you way lot of impressiveness and a break taking 3D expierience.

To enjoy Oculus Rift games

1. Open Factrack NOIR and configure it in the following way-

Game protocol > Mouse Look

2. Turn your IR headset on. After that start tracking via Facetrack

3. Run Vire.io and open a game of your choice.

Recommendations

08 09

– DCS World

-ARMA III

-War Thunder

4. Download Splashtop and setup your PC for desktop streaming. alternatives to SplashTop are Chrome Remote desktop, Gamestream and Microsoft remote desktop.

5. Stream the game to your phone using the above applications.

6. Place your smartphone in your cardboard and enjoy the depths of VR!!

http://vrvsar.com/diy-guide-make-a-oculus-rift-for-less-than-10/2/

Pls can someone tell me if any infinix phone can work with this

Leopantro where can one get the Google card board in Nigeria, Lagos precisely. And how much?

Mattkent:
Leopantro where can one get the Google card board in Nigeria, Lagos precisely. And how much?

I don't know anyone in Lagos making them or anywhere to get them. If you don't mind I will make one for you and you will get it next weekend.

Leopantro:


I don't know anyone in Lagos making them or anywhere to get them. If you don't mind I will make one for you and you will get it next weekend.

That will be really nice thank you. Can I get your contact? Whatsapp or bbm?

Darkseid:
It's better to buy a plastic one. I bought two Ritech vr headset II last friday for $8.11 each. It should arrive before 20th of this month.

where did you order from bro?

Mattkent:


That will be really nice thank you. Can I get your contact? Whatsapp or bbm?

Check my signature. However, go to gsmarena, check the dimensions of your phone and post it here, in millimeters

akashi01:
where did you order from bro?

I bought it from aliexpress.

Darkseid:
I bought it from aliexpress.

alright

Darkseid:
I bought it from aliexpress.

does it come with game pad? and how much did they charge you? how long will it take to deliver?

thanks

akashi01:
does it come with game pad? and how much did they charge you? how long will it take to deliver?

thanks

It doesn't come with a gamepad but you can buy the gamepad separately. It took about 3 weeks from the day of purchase to arrive.

Darkseid:
It doesn't come with a gamepad but you can buy the gamepad separately. It took about 3 weeks from the day of purchase to arrive.

can you post pictures of it? Or drop your number so I can add you on whatsapp

tayo666:
Pls can someone tell me if any infinix phone can work with this

I don't think it would cause Infinix Zero 3 does nt have gyroscope and ordinary camon c8 has.

akashi01:
where did you order from bro?

You can find many of them in konga or jumia.

joseph214:
You can find many of them in konga or jumia.

its costly there....7K ..

akashi01:
its costly there....7K ..

The one of aliexpress is how much in naira.

joseph214:
The one of aliexpress is how much in naira.

$9× xchange rate= price.....i dunno how much bank exchange theirs

akashi01:
can you post pictures of it? Or drop your number so I can add you on whatsapp

This is it.

will this work on innjoo halo?

Darkseid:
This is it.

please drop your whatsapp number

akashi01:
please drop your whatsapp number

07064649056

I've built the viewer just the lenses I need now

@ leopantro pls where did u get ur lenses