Google's Cardboard 2.0 VR headset (Photo : Twitter)
Google provided details about its latest virtual reality device on Thursday. The cheap Cardboard 2.0 VR headset features 3-step easy assembly, and fits over smartphone screens up to 6 inches (15.2 cm).
An upgrade of the Google Cardboard's new version is a special button. It allows input functions to operate on all mobile devices.
Cardboard 2.0 was unveiled on Thursday. All business partners will receive a free VR headset at Google's I/O developer conference.
Google's virtual reality headset is far below rivals' price tags of hundreds of dollars, according to CNET. The tech giant wants a bigger market share by producing VR products that are cheap and easy-to-build.
Google's Cardboard 2.0 apps will be compatible for iOS. In addition, Google's 360-degree YouTube videos can now be viewed on the VR device.
The tech giant also announced its new Google Cardboard education initiative "Google Expeditions" on Thursday, according to Gizmodo. Its educational program will include Cardboard kits and school apps.
Google launched its first virtual reality product as a gag gift at the 2014 Google I/O Conference. The VR technology included a $20 cardboard kit that included knick-knacks such as inexpensive rubber bands and brass fasteners.
However, the launching of Cardboard 2.0 shows that Google wants to expand its line of virtual reality products. It recently teamed up with the Mattel toy company.
Google and Mattel will conduct a $30 product relaunch of the Viewmaster this fall. The mini projector allows users to view various scenes.
California's search engine giant is competing with other VR-developing tech companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, and Samsung. Their products are mostly VR headsets for mobile devices.
Google reported on Thursday that Cardboard has over 1 million users, and hundreds of apps. One man even used the VR technology to propose to his girlfriend. She replied, "yes."
