Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions on VR cardboard
1. Will VR cardboard work with my phone?
Cardboard works with most modern Android phones. Phones need to be running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or above. Ideally they should support NFC too. Here's a list we have personally tested, see our compatible phones list here.
2. Can I use cardboard even if I wear glasses?
Yes. You may want to cut flaps into both sides of the viewer.
3. Tell me the differences between the Maxbox VR™ models
All Maxbox VR™ models with work with Android and iPhone 6 and above. They all fit the same sized mobile devices so you don't lose out on functionality with any of the choices. All units allow you to interact with the mobile, and they each achieve interactivity using different methods e.g: the flat-packed units use a thumb tap method, whereas, pre-assembled models have a touch trigger conductive button.
V2.0
V2.0 is pre-assembled and has an outer sleeve. The look and feel is slightly more robust that the flat-packed models and can give a best feel of luxury in a cardboard VR headset. These units can be created with different materials depending on the quality selected. V2.0 Standard is created with E-flute corrugated cardboard, V2.0 Deluxe is created with white F-flute corrugated cardboard. Brands like Sony/Lego have chosen this unit.
V2 standard product page
V3.1
V3.1 is flat-pack unit, great for direct mail conferences and trade-shows. It has a robust sleeve, that it ships in. To assemble it's a pop-up unit which gives it an assembly time of less than 20 seconds. This unit is made with F-flute corrugated cardboard. Brands such as Walmart and NBC Universal have ordered this unit from us.
V3.1 product page
VR Slim:
VR Slim is also flat-packed, this is fantastic for large volume projects such as experiential giveaways and product offerings. It ships with its own custom package box. It's assembly time is under 1 minute. The material this unit is created in is 400 gsm card. Brands such as Paramount have chosen this unit.
VR Slim product page
4. How can I test my own application without having the cardboard demo popup when I insert the phone?
The best method is to set your app to handle the NFC URL: cardboard://v.1.0.0. Alternatively, you can disable NFC in your phone’s settings.
5. When I try to view the Chrome VR site using Cardboard, the demo launches. How do I prevent this?
Install the Cardboard Android App and let it always handle the NFC event from the Cardboard viewer. The Cardboard app will not launch when you have another app in the foreground.
6. What are the magnets for and can I use cardboard without them?
The magnet is used for clicking inside of demos. When you pull and release the ring, your phone’s magnetometer detects changes in the magnetic field. Chrome Experiments currently doesn't use the magnet, but you will need it to try the Cardboard Android App.
Not all phones will be able to detect magnet pulls. You can use Cardboard without the magnet by sticking copper tape along the side of the viewer and having it come into contact with the phone screen. When you tap twice on the copper tape with your finger, the phone will react as if it had detected a magnet pull.
7. What does the NFC tag do and can I use the Cardboard app without NFC?
NFC is used to trigger the launch of the Cardboard Android App automatically. You can also start the Cardboard app from the Android launcher before putting your phone inside the viewer.
8. How does the button on the V2.0 model work with iPhone?
Instead of the old magnetic switch, the new one is a piece of conductive foam that works as the primary input device when using Cardboard, now it works with the iPhone as well as Android. A new SDK and Cardboard app means iOS is now fully supported.
9. What is the difference between V2 Standard and Deluxe
The standard quality uses E-flute corrugated cardboard. It includes full 4 color (CMYK) print. This is the industry norm for Google cardboard manufacturers and what most manufacturers print at. Most clients opt for this.
Here are images of standard quality: http://bit.ly/2eVTWHb
With deluxe quality we go one better and use white F-Flute corrugated cardboard with 250g of kraft paper either side, and a 5C (5 colour) printer. To my knowledge this is one of the highest quality prints any manufacturer prints at, using the best cardboard material.
Here are images of deluxe quality: http://bit.ly/2xGyGMs
On both options we use high quality lenses, on par with Google's WWGC certification as we're one of the rare WWGC Google certified. companies selling this product.
10. Do you sell the Google cardboard V2.0 model?
Yes you can buy Google cardboard V2. Inquire via our Contact us. page, or, check out our products list.