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Makeshift Apple VR headset: How to use Google Cardboard with an iPhone (Video)

If you’re not familiar with Google Cardboard, it’s one of the most affordable and portable VR headsets to date. It’s a very simple creation in terms of design and functionality, but provides a solid look into the future of technology without breaking the bank. Why? Because it’s made almost entirely of cardboard.

Google unveiled Cardboard at I/O 2014, but unfortunately, it was designed with Android devices in mind. The official Cardboard app is nowhere to be found on the App Store, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Google may not care much about iOS as a platform, but stereoscopic 3D is nothing new. In fact, there is a good handful of apps available for iOS that are also compatible with Google Cardboard…

Recently, I came across an article on CNET that showcased a group of iOS apps that are compatible with Cardboard. These apps weren’t actually designed with Cardboard in mind, but they were made to work with VR headsets (stereoscopic content), specifically the Durovis Dive, which is essentially a premium version of Cardboard that was announced back in January at CES 2014. All of this hardware is aimed at developers, but as more start creating new apps, consumers will be able to benefit from VR hardware (or “cardware” as I like to call it) as well.

For a closer look at using Cardboard with iOS/iPhone, check out the video below:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQVHmfXnol0]

Virtually any iOS app that was designed to work with the Durovis Dive will work with Google Cardboard. There are only about five apps worth checking out at this point, but as the demand rises I’m sure other developers will jump on board and craft better VR experience apps. The best way to find compatible apps at the moment is by searching for “Durovis” or “Durovis Dive” on the App Store. Either of those terms will pull up a variety of apps that were designed to work with VR headsets.

If you have Cardboard and an iPhone (or 5th gen iPod touch), you should download any of the free apps below and give it a shot:

Unfortunately, Google doesn’t actually sell Cardboard. There are official instructions to build your own Cardboard headset, but if you don’t feel like going that route, there are plenty of unofficial Cardboard kits available on Amazon starting at $19.99. It’s also important to note that this will work best when using an iPhone/iPod touch with 4-inch (or larger?) display.

Because of the size difference between the iPhone 5/5s and most Android devices (hopefully this will change soon), the iPhone will slip and slide around inside of Cardboard unless you use a case, but that’s not a big deal in my opinion. Other than that, I found the iPhone and Cardboard virtual reality experience to be very comparable to an Android device. The only thing you’re really missing out on is Google’s official Cardboard app, but that’s really just a collection of stereoscopic demos thrown together.

It’s best to put the iPhone/iPod touch inside of a case when using Cardboard.

Do you need this? Not really, but it sure is a fun experience. It also gives Facebook’s Oculus Rift a run for its money, though Cardboard isn’t quite at that level of gaming just yet. Even so, with VR technology on the rise, do you think it would be important for Apple to make a move in this area? It’s obvious that developers have a slight interest in virtual reality on iOS, but until Apple makes a move (if they ever do), Google Cardboard is the best and most affordable way to experience this on an iOS device.

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Comments

  1. francoborgo - 10 years ago

    I took the RollerCoaster App, mirror it on the AppleTV, put my tv in 3D SBS mode and it work. Thank you

    • madman8 - 10 years ago

      whats SBS? i have 3d tv too

      • Dom Esposito - 10 years ago

        “Side by side” stereoscopic mode.

  2. Peter Tribe (@eq2k) - 10 years ago

    For the coder’s among us I have started porting the Cardboard SDK to iOS…

    https://github.com/equinox2k/CardboardVR-iOS

    • emlynleejones - 9 years ago

      Can you update your great app to allow me to access my own pictures? It is currently disabled. Your YouTube video doesn’t say how to activate the photos and videos files to make this app really work. Please help!

  3. You can also use the Homido app from the upcoming VR device of the same name.
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homido-360-vr-player/id909196467?mt=8

  4. Topher Hunt - 9 years ago

    For anyone in the same situation as me: Don’t try Google Cardboard with an iPhone 4/4S. The lenses are too far apart and aren’t adjustable, so you need a taller screen like the iPhone 5 or most recent Androids. It ruins the experience.

    • kobibeck - 9 years ago

      Yep…..Iphone 4s don’t seem to work with cardboard, bugger!!…..unless anyone can tell me how??

  5. Shreeraj Shah - 9 years ago

    If you don’t want to spend $25, then you can get a cheaper replica, that works the exact same (It’s just cardboard lol) for less than $3, with free shipping! Shipping took about 3 weeks but worth it to save a heck of alot of money.You can use PayPal if you don’t want to give away your CC info.

    http://www.tinydeal.com/diy-google-cardboard-vr-3d-glasses-for-iphone-samsung-cellphone-p-135220.html

  6. lellis2k - 9 years ago

    Just ordered my carboard replica from Amazon for £2.99, looking forward to playing!

  7. iSuperEit - 9 years ago

    I just got mine today and I’m addicted. I can’t wait for our learners to make them from scraps here in school!

  8. the VR Labyrinth is available for iOS.

  9. Michael Fuller - 9 years ago

    I made a Cardboard compatible iOS app, Mobile VS Station, a media player with head tracking. https://appsto.re/us/nlBn5.i

  10. Mila Tee - 8 years ago

    Love cool stuff! Always shop from store called”China2You” for china online shopping products and online shopping china agenda :)