Hands on: Google Cardboard review

A virtual reality cardboard box - it may sound stupid, but Google's cheap and cheerful proposition actually works.
VR is becoming big business w

ith Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive and Sony's Project Morpheus showing us big companies are firmly behind the tech, but they aren't available to the masses.
Google Cardboard however has the sole aim of getting VR into the hands of everyday people. You can pick it up online for just £15, $20 (around AU$25), because essentially all you're paying for is cardboard and a couple of lenses.

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I managed to get hands on with Cardboard at the Accenture stand during MWC 2015, where the box had a Samsung Galaxy S5 slid into the front portion.
Google has developed Cardboard with its own Android operating system in mind and you'll find over 30 compatible apps in the Play Store to mess around with.
It's not officially supported for other operating systems, but that doesn't mean you're necessarily out of luck if you have an iPhone.

There are VR applications in the App Store and if you fire them up and then slide the iPhone into Cardboard you'll still get a pretty decent experience.
Unsurprisingly Google Cardboard is extremely lightweight, and with the ability to fold it up it's super easy to transport as well.
While most Cardboard kits come with Velcro to keep the unit together during use, the unit I got my hands on also included some tactical pieces of tape.

Being on a public booth at MWC though they were probably getting pretty manhandled, so it's understandable.
Take a peek through the lenses and you're still aware that you're looking into a cardboard box. Quality may not be the best, but on the demos I tried it still worked well.
I was able to take a tour of a brewery by turning my head to look around rooms, and holding my focus on doors and info points triggered actions such as a text description or entry into a new area.

It's a far more basic experience than Oculus Rift, and even the Gear VR gives you a touch panel and back button on the side for easier navigation and greater interaction.
But you have to come back to the price point, and if you already own an Android smartphone then for the price of a cinema ticket you can step into the world of virtual reality from the comfort of your home.

Early verdict

I was sceptical when I approached Google Cardboard, questioning whether something so simple could really produce a decent VR experience. I'm pleased to report it absolutely can.
Considering the incredibly low cost and the likelihood of more developers getting on board to increase the app line up Google Cardboard is a great purchase for anyone who wants to experience the basics of virtual reality. It's convinced me to buy one.