Last Year at Google I/O: The Evolution of Google Cardboard

The 2014 Google I/O conference marked an exciting time for Google as it introduced its first step into the world of virtual reality with Google Cardboard. Initially, many people thought it was a joke, but after getting hands-on experience with the device, they realized that Google was indeed onto something big.

While other companies like Oculus were quick to jump on the VR bandwagon, Google took a different approach. Instead of creating a high-end VR headset, they focused on creating an immersive experience that could be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their budget or technical expertise. With just a piece of cardboard and a smartphone in your pocket, Google Cardboard offered an affordable way to experience virtual reality.

It's worth noting that while the design of the original Google Cardboard wasn't the most impressive, it was clear that the company had set out to create something simple and accessible. The device might not have been the best-looking VR headset on the market, but its simplicity and affordability were key aspects that made it appealing to a wide range of users.

Google recently introduced an updated version of its cardboard hardware, which comes with several significant changes. One major improvement is the increased size of the device, which can now support phones up to six inches in size. Additionally, there's a new button instead of the old magnetic button that slid up and down. The new button is made out of conductive foam and works as the primary input device when using Google Cardboard.

Another significant change is the ease of assembly, which has been reduced to just three steps. This means that users can set up and start using their Google Cardboard in no time, making it an attractive option for those who want to try out VR without a lot of hassle or technical expertise. Furthermore, Google has introduced a new SDK (Software Development Kit) that allows developers to build apps specifically designed for the Google Cardboard platform.

The overall experience of using Google Cardboard with an iPhone is remarkably similar to using it with an Android device. The simplicity and ease of use are key aspects that make Google Cardboard an excellent choice for those who want to try out VR without breaking the bank. With four main demos available, including a kaleidoscope demo, users can experience a range of different VR experiences.

In addition to its improved hardware and software features, Google also announced a new education-focused initiative called Expeditions. This program is designed to allow teachers to lead a classroom of up to 30 students on virtual field trips. By providing a low-cost way to explore the educational possibilities of virtual reality, Expeditions aims to inspire young minds and make learning more engaging.

The potential for Expeditions is vast, with countless opportunities for students to explore different environments and subjects without leaving their classrooms. From visiting space to exploring volcanoes or deep into jungles, students can now embark on a wide range of virtual adventures that would be impossible in the physical world. While it may seem unusual at first, Expeditions offers an exciting way to prove the educational possibilities of virtual reality and mobile VR.

The new Google Cardboard viewer is not too different from its predecessor, with the main exception being the new button and support for larger devices. Despite these minor changes, the device still maintains its reputation as a simple and affordable headset that's well-suited for those who want to try out VR without a lot of fuss or expense.

In conclusion, Google Cardboard has come a long way since its introduction at the 2014 Google I/O conference. From its initial simplicity and affordability to its recent updates and new features, the device remains an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience virtual reality in an accessible and affordable way.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enlast year at google i o google introduced this the google cardboard it was the company's first step into the world of virtual reality now of course when it was announced last year we weren't sure if it was some weird joke but then we got our hands on it and we soon realized that google was onto something big while many people are quick to jump on the oculus bandwagon when it comes to vr google was creating an immersive experience with nothing but a piece of cardboard and a smartphone in your pocket it might not be the best looking vr headset we've seen but that's not the point it's meant to be the simplest and most affordable way to experience vr google introduced a new version of its cardboard hardware with a few key changes one it's bigger and can support phones up to six inches two there's a new button instead of the old magnetic button that's slid up and down the new button is made out of this conductive foam that works as the primary input device when using cardboard lastly it's much easier to assemble it's a three-step process which means you'll be up and running in a matter of seconds google also announced a new sdk so developers can build apps along with a cardboard app for ios the overall experience of using cardboard with an iphone is basically the same as android just do it make your dreams come true just do it there are four main demos to choose from including this awesome kaleidoscope demo but there's also explore urban height and exhibit google said it shipped over a million cardboard units last year and we wouldn't be surprised to see google ship many more in 2015. in addition to announcing a new viewer google also spent a lot of time talking about a new education focus initiative called expeditions it's essentially designed to allow teachers to lead a classroom of up to 30 students on a virtual field trip seems like a low-cost way to prove the educational possibilities of virtual reality in general and mobile vr specifically while it may seem weird to take students on a virtual field trip the possibilities of doing so are limitless students can now go into space through a volcano deep into a jungle and more all without leaving their classroom the new cardboard viewer isn't too different from last year's version with the exception of the new button and support for larger devices it's still well cardboard though that's not a bad thing what you see is what you get it's not meant to be the fanciest vr headset but an affordable headset for you to actually try vr anyways thank you guys so much for watching and if you guys enjoy this video give this video a thumbs up and we will see you guys in the next one just do itlast year at google i o google introduced this the google cardboard it was the company's first step into the world of virtual reality now of course when it was announced last year we weren't sure if it was some weird joke but then we got our hands on it and we soon realized that google was onto something big while many people are quick to jump on the oculus bandwagon when it comes to vr google was creating an immersive experience with nothing but a piece of cardboard and a smartphone in your pocket it might not be the best looking vr headset we've seen but that's not the point it's meant to be the simplest and most affordable way to experience vr google introduced a new version of its cardboard hardware with a few key changes one it's bigger and can support phones up to six inches two there's a new button instead of the old magnetic button that's slid up and down the new button is made out of this conductive foam that works as the primary input device when using cardboard lastly it's much easier to assemble it's a three-step process which means you'll be up and running in a matter of seconds google also announced a new sdk so developers can build apps along with a cardboard app for ios the overall experience of using cardboard with an iphone is basically the same as android just do it make your dreams come true just do it there are four main demos to choose from including this awesome kaleidoscope demo but there's also explore urban height and exhibit google said it shipped over a million cardboard units last year and we wouldn't be surprised to see google ship many more in 2015. in addition to announcing a new viewer google also spent a lot of time talking about a new education focus initiative called expeditions it's essentially designed to allow teachers to lead a classroom of up to 30 students on a virtual field trip seems like a low-cost way to prove the educational possibilities of virtual reality in general and mobile vr specifically while it may seem weird to take students on a virtual field trip the possibilities of doing so are limitless students can now go into space through a volcano deep into a jungle and more all without leaving their classroom the new cardboard viewer isn't too different from last year's version with the exception of the new button and support for larger devices it's still well cardboard though that's not a bad thing what you see is what you get it's not meant to be the fanciest vr headset but an affordable headset for you to actually try vr anyways thank you guys so much for watching and if you guys enjoy this video give this video a thumbs up and we will see you guys in the next one just do it\n"