by Musharib Akhter
Virtual Reality is an exciting development but it seems to be an expensive one. Whether it’s the Oculus Rift or any other pair of VR goggles, we can’t really see prices being in the reach of most consumers here in Pakistan. That is why cardboard VR headsets, which provide a great way to experience VR, are a welcome development.
Originally kickstarted by Google Cardboard, these VR headsets are a low cost way to encourage development and interest in VR. You simply download the schematics (link at the end) and build it yourself or you can buy a pre-made one for cheap. It’s one of these ready-to-go headsets that we’ll be reviewing today.
Sold by an online store called Bytes.pk, I got a chance to try out the Bytes VR Core 5.7 model and used it with an Sony Xperia Z3. There are four models and the differences between them are shown in the tablet below.
Design
The base design of these headsets was decided and finalized in one of Google’s 20 percent projects – a sideline policy that allows Google employees to work on whatever they want alongside their normal day to day work. This one concept simply blew up and spurred a lot of development.
For our VR headset, assembly is pretty easy. It took me ten minutes to get it ready. The main elements are the two professional lenses attached in the pack, which allow 3D immersion. There is also a magnet switch to allow the control of the Google cardboard app.
How Does it Work?
The cardboard is designed in such a way that it employs the natural bisecting vision (line of sight) of our eyes and creates a cinematic virtual reality environment, Seeing inside of it with a smartphone allows for real-time cinema-like visualization.
The Google cardboard app can be downloaded from Play Store for free. This independent application also allows us to download more VR specific applications. Once our phone is fit into the VR headset box, the only control outside is the magnet switch which uses our smartphone’s magnetometer (built into every phone as a compass).
The enjoyment involves starting any VR capable app with the phone inside the cardboard and tilting our head left, right, up and down – so the scenery also moves accordingly. So moving my head towards the left direction will move the scenery on its right (as if I were tilting my head in real). The same movements apply to the virtual emphasis that the headset provides to us.
The VR Apps
I started off my experience with an app named ‘An Unseen Sky VR’. It starts in a forest area with birds chirping and a natural scene set around us. The sound is really soothing and touchy. Moving our head actually allows us to see everything in the forest. As the scene moves forward, we enter a cave with a wolf and go past through it into a raining garden where the journey actually ends. It was a good experience as a starter.
Then there is the ‘VR Cinema app’ which runs any video file into split screen 3D mode just like we see in a cinema. Plus this one also has the ability to use our phone camera as the real view-finder! So we need to turn the camera on and we can actually see through the camera while walking forward or back. I bumped into my room’s walls once because of trying this, so precaution is recommended!
Then there was this ‘Insidious 3 VR app’ which takes us into a 3D room with a lady telling us not to be afraid. And while she talks, the door bangs, the windows break, the table rumbles… and at that moment I stopped the app because I was seriously frightened! The came in the Roller Coaster VR snapped below:
The best one which made me practically jump up on my feet was the Crazy Swing VR. It is a joyride in between a city with tall buildings. Once we tilt our head towards the right, the ride starts up, and no words can describe how many times I felt like it was really happening to me!
Final Verdict
For the price, this really is amazing technology. Entertainment is the main aim of the VR game and my experience was very positive. New applications are being developed for Google Virtual Reality headsets by major developers so the platform won’t become stagnant anytime soon.
Adding in a pair of headphones increases the already awesome feeling but that needs a custom hole you’ll have to make yourself. I had to put in two pieces of white tape on the front area because it was soaking moisture every time I used it (credit goes to the summer season) – this is the downside of reasonable yet cheaper materials being used!
If you are fascinated by technology or are even remotely interested in virtual reality, a low cost cardboard headset is a worthwhile investment. You could buy one off of the internet or just follow the instructions and print out the schematics from Google’s own website.
This is amazing! I’m gonna try this out at home
This would definitely be a new but cool experience. The best part is that it’s pretty inexpensive
Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality-360-degree fully extended viewing angle. Experience virtual reality in a simple,
fun, and affordable way.
Google VR cardboard
for only Rs:1099/-
1×1 Magnetic
2×1 37mm Biconvex Lens
and the rest kit
Suports with all android and iphones and u can also experience the videos from your pc to android (Via datacable and specific application for that purpose )
User guide for everything is included
Call 0313 4313771
Availability in LAhore
Delivery time 1-2 days maximum
Use the table given to select the best one for you :-D
Let me know if you need help in downloading apps or anything that you dont understand.. .
core imax or core 5.7 2no main farak kya ha? i want to buy this
Lense ka major fark ha, and the other minor difference is in the cardboard quality.. . But thats pretty negligible
Can you explain bit more, As i already placed an order but can update for Imax
Go for IMAX bro. The lens quality is everything, and since IMAX will make it seem more cinematic, you should go for that version since price difference aint that much anyway!
how can i place an order
Link is given at the end of the article buddy, and you can also try other online shops for a better material of VR headsets
Are you talking about VR Core iMax or VR Pro iMax ? How much difference both devices are having ? What if I buy VR Core iMax, How much better quality I will get on Nexus 5x?
The convex lens on iMax is much better than this one plus the size is a bit different as well.. . Haven’t tried iMax but it should perform much better than this one in high quality videos
Bro there are two iMax in table. Which one is better to buy.
please send me your cell number. i want to know about this will work on my galaxy s5.
It will FLUENTLY work on your S5 bro :)
which one i buy u knw my s5 screen is 5.1 inch and please also tell what is exact difference between vr core and vr imax
Only the lens quality is different. And I will suggest you go for the IMAX version
Not working on my q mobile m90
What’s not working? Please elaborate
BRO CARDBOARD app not work when i start app noting display except lines
Okay then its confirmed not working on cheaper Qmobiles.. Try on a higher end Qmobile phone if possible buddy?
I live in karachi…where can i buy pro Imax ? And does it support Note 3 because it
has big screen…
Sorry for replying late. I have not been in touch with bytes since months and they have updated many VR headset models till now.. . Try contacting them directly. Or through their FB page, dont leave a comment message them directly with your question
I ALSO TRY DIFFERENT APSS i think they also not work
I think my device not supported
CARDBOARD app not working it disply vertical lines
Is this work with android phones or just for iphone (as described at bytes.pk)
Cool, i wish asphalt 8 was also available in VR… i wouldve kept playing it all day!
Search “VR Games” in our playstore and you’ll get the current CROP.. Plus some real MAJOR developers are going through making many more games as we speak ;-)
Still gonna have to wait… but not so much i think ;)
Unity 5 and UnReal Engine 3 are being used for the graphical works! You can only imagine what these guys are upto with this tech lol
You’re right, i dont know about these… but i do know that unreal engine 10 will be used to make real-reality multiplayer games in which you get to wear real kevlar vests and use real guns to kill each other and the engine will cause you to come to life again! XD
P.S. this is just a joke. So please dont do those stupid “oh, you are so stupid””That aint gonna happen keep dreaming” kinda comments . Thank you.
Still lame :p
Lol.. bisti ji ho gai XD
core imax or core 5.7 2no main farak kya ha?
wonderful
I made this at home, had difficulty in finding the lens but then i made my own lens :D
kindly share your experience ,,,lens kese bnae?
By following this tutorial http://www.ytpak.com/?component=video&task=view&id=WaUIETUlk4U
I have posted the link of tutorial but i guess admin is not willing to approve so just go to youtube and search for yourself
paste the description to find the exact video
Making Lenses from scratch to fit the Google cardboard
LOL awesome (y)
which lens you used?
I followed the tutorial on youtube to make the lens from plastic bottles water, and glue and it worked it was good!
good. and what about magnets?
without magnets
likes (y)
p.s bytes.pk has vuln to sqli
anyone could please tell me how will I fit my 5.0inch Samsung galaxy s6 in imax pro version. because its for 6.0 inch screen ?
put it in center assume it’s 6 inch
I’m using 5.0 inch screen (XperiaZ1) in the 5.7 inch VR core model; the one reviewed up there. It fits perfectly buddy
but what if it dosen’t work well ?
tell me about your experience, what you think is it right to spend money on it , does it actualy feel like cinema or not ?
Buddy for this price, this is TOTALLY value for money :P
But I would recommend you go for the FOAM material version with IMAX lenses since cardboard cannot survive the body heat much long and the one I have has normal VR lenses while the aforementioned has IMAX.. You will seriously be thanking me although I dont work for the vendors lol :-D
yes :D i ordered the foam version .
please tell your experience to me then :-)
Its for “6 inch and below”. So your smartphone shall fit easily.
Wowwee
Sir …ap ka no kya ha ap sy poshna ha …..kush..
Inbox me in fb…
I had checked it on propakistani long ago, today when rechecked there are pretty much negative reviews from customers.
VR headsets have never been reviewed in full here. How come you see negative reviews lol
I’m one of the users of this techie piece, and I dont feel anything NEGATIVE about it :-P
oups sorry not propakistani, checked it on bytes.pk long ago (mind was with propakistani so typo mistake sir)
because you are the one over-hyping it and telling people to ignore the negative comments.
are you being paid to comment? just wondering……………
One, I respect your third-person opinions.
Two, I dont work for money Alhamdulillah.
Three, the review clearly states that the cardboard will deteriorate with time so you have other MATERIAL options as well.. .
Four, Thank You :-)
Five, if not money then what do you work for? :D
Six, He don’t work for money. He work for Sawaab, Alhamdulillah.
LOL xD
Six, He don’t work for money. He work for Sawaab, Alhamdulillah.
LOL :D
Good question, but not relevant!
Next question ?
i wear glasses. how can i use it?
Cant set the VR headset with glasses on. If your eyes cannot see without glasses at all, you should wear eye lenses. If they’re normal; they’ll work perfectly!
Can we play 3D Movies also?
It makes normal videos look like 3D Cinema..
I want this, how do I buy this?
Link is given at the end of the article. Select your option from the table above in GREEN so as to fit your smartphone needs!
saw one my friend made using a Google tutorial a while back. His lens wasn’t that great at that time but sure as hell liked the Idea of it.
author should do some market research before posting such articles, we can get a much better NFC enabled version from here in less than half price…
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1Pcs-Lot-2450mah-Golden-battery-EB575152VU-Battery-For-Samsung-Galaxy-S-i9000-GT-I9000-i9003-T959/1702148477.html
Will it play my normal videos on it? And how would I explore in 360 and see everywhere when the shows are not shot with a 360° Camera?
And do you have to hold it all the ttime or is there any strap?
And will it work if one has prescription glasses?
All of your questions are answered already, except one.
videos (normal avi and mp4) run like you are watching a 3D cinema. and yes, this one does not come with a strap so you have to hold it.. Although I made a custom strap for myself using one of my lighter weight belts :)
does in work on S3? where do we get the apps from?
S3 hardware is mediocre, so I think it will give you hiccups on frame-rates here and there! And the apps are available of playstore when you search for “VR Apps” or “VR Games”
no thanks… , i’d like to go one better…
something in between the card board and the actual headsets
Just got the VR Core IMAX, love the experience. My 4yr old won’t leave it :)
Now if only bytes will import the Zeiss VR 1, I would buy it in a heartbeat!
Can we use it with IPhone? Or just only with Android.
iPhone support has just been started recently, so applications are comparatively lesser in volume, but the good news is, everything essential and that has been discussed above are all available!
AOA,
I hope you all will be in good health. Anybody who have used it, can he/she please share their experience ? Would appreciate it.
This was announced over a year ago by Google but not many paid much attention and I was wondering what it was all about. Thanks for telling us about this amazing experience which we were missing out for so long.
Will device work with qmobiles, like these models: i12, a900 etc ?
Totally depends upon the hardware they have. I would recommend you download any VR app that is more than 25mb in size and try to run it in your phone. If it lags more than you can endure, don’t buy the headsets just now until you upgrade your phone :-)
Different google cardboards are available in 250-350rs with free delivery on aliexpress or banggood site. Compatible with iPhone as well.
I want to buy many things from aliexpress and banggod but i dont know pakistan tax procedure so will you plz guide how to order things from these sites and receive in pakistan with tax procedure.
Also remember that i am living in multan
I ordered some low cost products and a 1300Rs shirt. I was never taxed. Maybe Pakistani authorities will tax you if you are receiving some expensive product or multiple products.
Currently i am using button fone bcoz i was fedup with touch screen fone, but now to feel the vr experience i want to buy touch fone again, plz guide me which fone is best to buy in Rs.15000, new or used? Does qmobile i12 is good ?
Does these cardboard headset really give me 3d experience and give me feelings that i am in virtual world ?
Does any pakistani online store is selling samsung gear vr, i have listened that they are best for virtual purpose ?
Hope Musharib or any other guy will help.
Thank you for clarifying your situation.. .
Yes, it does give you a 3D world like experience when you use it with a headphone, and some games are really awesome when you have to tilt your head to turn the bike or car (depending on the game)
Samsung gear VR is not available at large since still in development phase, I would recommend you purchase a plastic version of this headset from HSN if money is not an issue for you.
The phone that you should go for, for the best experience in your VR headset within the 15K budget should have at least 2GB ram, and 5 inch screen for the best results.
Some used Motorola phones are good to consider, Droid ultra maxx and Droid ultra fall into this section. Might get HTC One M7 in the same price range and will be awesome too..
Thanks Musharib for a quick useful reply.
Just clear one thing which i forgot to ask is what screen size i will feel with vr headset ?
Lenses make it appear full sized in our eyes so it spreads at its max.. Like it is a cinema :)
I got another question in mind that what is the purpose of magnet button in cardboard headset as this button is not available in plastic headset. Cardboard headset vs plastic headset, which one is better ?
Homeshopping vr headset link is below.
http://homeshopping.pk/products/Black-3D-VR-GLASSES-for-465-Inch-iPhone-Samsung-SmartPhones-Cellphone-Price-in-Pakistan.html
whats the procedure to buy it?
cash on delivery or through credit card?
Check out their details through the given link
How can i order ??
people who want to make this, face only one problem which finding lenses. I looked for lenses for 3 days in Peshawar and finally i found it.
Will you plz give some details about lneses, i mean lenses name, size, quality etc…
You can buy it from whole seller shops of wrist watches. There are all type of convex lenses they fit over wrist watch. to make them biconvex, connect 2 convex lenses.
Will anyone plz guide me which fone is good to buy in Rs.15k, either new or used, which can play vr games and aps easily ?
Try Motorola Droid ultra maxx or Droid ultra, or HTC One – all these phones have a good chipset plus 2GB ram. Only the Maxx version has a good battery too, since VR sips up quite a lot of battery while we use it..
New phones with 2GB ram in this range will only let you get the ASUS zenfone 5 and some Huawei phones.. But I haven’t tried VR on these phones.
What’s the price of Asus Zenfone 5 in Pakistan? Is it under 15k….??
Yes it is.. And you can also go for Lenovo Vibe X S960 available at 12,999 Rs.. search for it and go buy that one! Lenovo flagship phone going on cheap sale! Take my name when you find the store and you may even get a discount ;-)
I want o buy huawei honor 4c or honor 3d just for vr games, will anyone plz tell me that does these fones work good with these mobiles
I think you asked if these VR sets work with these phones you mentioned. Recently a friend reported it does not work with Qmobile M90. So only buy good phones for the VR headsets or else you won’t be able to enjoy the screen quality and hence the overall experience
I’m planning to buy Lenovo A5000, will it work with VR apps..??
Yes it will work.. But I believe the quality delivered from the screen and the framerates experienced won’t be top class!
Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality-360-degree fully extended viewing angle. Experience virtual reality in a simple,
fun, and affordable way.
Google VR cardboard
for only Rs:1099/-
1×1 Magnetic
2×1 37mm Biconvex Lens
and the rest kit
Suports with all android and iphones and u can also experience the videos from your pc to android (Via datacable and specific application for that purpose )
screen size 3.5 to 5.5inch
User guide for everything is included
Call 0313 4313771
Availability in LAhore
Delivery time 1-2 days maximum
Salam
Can the position of lenses be adjusted according to different faces.. the distance between eyes is not same for all. Are the small holes with lenses suitable for every face size?
Its not that good! you can just watch movies.. QmObile dont have 3D view support so this post is lame.. You can move your head but the screen will remain same.. and Also you can not enjoy 360 videos.
I tried this cardboard and it was MIND-BLOWING … for anyone looking for a good VR experience, I’d suggest an underwater video (my favorite video is Great White Sharks 360 Video on YouTube) and a VR game called Silent Home VR – am amazing horror game
Byter VR plastic version, available for 1999, contains imaxx lenses or just simple one?? Its not mentioned there though.
So What model is best for 5 inch screen
Hey there! !!
Does it work with s3 ??
Hey plz answer me. I have a samsung core I… it is pretty old so will it work on my phone?
Which one is suitable for galaxy core prime…?
And latest price