Google Announces Cheap and Accessible Virtual Reality App Named Cardboard

Google has announced its foray into the smartphone virtual reality space with an app named Cardboard.

The app is described as a "no-frills enclosure that transforms a phone into a basic VR headset". Google has also released instructions on how to build a virtual reality viewer to use with the smartphone app. The viewer is constituted primarily of everyday items, including cardboard, lenses, magnets, velcro, a rubber band, and an optional stick NFC tag.

Released with the app is the accompanying open software toolkit, as well a tutorial on how to start coding. Android phones must be running Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or above to support Cardboard. Google will also be hosting a talk about virtual reality on Android on June 26, from 10am PST.

Will you be trying out Cardboard? Let us know in the comments below!