Oculus may have contributed to the popularization of virtual reality helmets but in my very personal opinion is that Google is in the process of benefiting the masses.
 
For now, Oculus VR offers only the Oculus Rift headset, which is still a development kit and not the final product. Currently, the kit DK 2 costs $ 350. For its part, Samsung has also released the Gear VR. But it is not given. In addition to costing $ 200 (US), the headset requires a Galaxy Note 4 smartphone to function. So the Cardboard Google, which is open source and you can buy less than 20 euros or make yourself, Stands as the best alternative. In this article, I offer 5 tips to enjoy this helmet, which despite its primitive appearance, can offer beautiful immersive experiences.

1-Using headphones, joystick, and activate airplane mode

To better enjoy the experience (with better sound), put on a helmet. As for the handle (for Android), it helps you get more content. While games like Vanguard V Lamper or Zombie Shooter let you play without a controller, just using the sensors in your smartphone, other, more complex, such as Space Terror, are played with a joystick. As for the flight mode, you will save juice (if the content does not require an internet connection) and avoid possible interruptions.

2-Cardboard improves thanks to 3D printing

As I said earlier, the Google Cardboard has a somewhat primitive aspect. And it's made of cardboard.

But it is already possible to enhance the experience by printing a 3D plastic body or accessories for more comfort. You easily find models in 3D print on canvas. Here is a track (Thing verse). Of course, nothing prevents you to create your own template.

3-Contents

Having (finally) a virtual reality helmet, it's great. But this is hardly useless without content. These are certainly not very many for Cardboard but there is already a number, including some that are quite interesting.

Google has dedicated this page to applications for the Cardboard. Otherwise, I also suggest you visit this page Developer Jaunt, which already offers a number of apps that will immerse you in the middle of a Paul McCartney concert or backstage at a fashion shoot with ELLE. American director Chris Milk has also recently launched an application called Vrse offering of enough interesting content.

4-View Street View panoramas with your virtual reality headset

There are a few weeks, Google revealed an easter egg hidden in the Street View application for Android that lets you view panoramic images in virtual reality.

5-Watch movies with a Cardboard

There are also media players for Android (as VR Cinema) that allow the user to view videos stored in the memory of the smartphone with the VR Box. Of course article Search, the experience will not be as immersive as with content designed for virtual reality. But it can spare you holding your smartphone.