First impressions of Google Sardboard - simple and cheap head-mounted display
Devices / / December 19, 2019
Not familiar with Sardboard and do not know what it eats? read the introductory article Layfhakera of this extraordinary device.
Purchase and assembly
Why, Google showed the world Sardboard? It is not known, but the caustic exactly jibe holds over the competition. Judge for yourself: as long as Oculus, Valve, Samsung, Microsoft, Sony, Razer and others sell their sets of virtual reality for tens or hundreds of dollars, make good corporation offers them simplified analogue of his own hands for mere penny.
But the delight of Google employees a generous gesture begins to evaporate immediately after meeting with the scheme of cutting and assembly points. Not every "crazy hands" will cope with this task, because the amount and accuracy of the proposed operation is to commit a nervous twitching of a century. Moreover, it is not limited to working with the cutter and cardboard - you need to run around in search of fixings (although suitable and simple rubber band), magnets (optional) and most importantly, the lenses. Go all the quest from "A" to "Z" can be done only true enthusiasts.
It seems to me, not worth powder and shot, so it's easier to pay Uncle Liao couple of American money and, after waiting for some time, get your hands on a complete set. You can look at the shelves of Chinese online stores, there are a dime a dozen Cardboard helmets. I bought on Aliexpress. There I got a very good seller, which for $ 2.70 just for a couple of days collected the package and sent it to me. As it later turned out, everything came into non-defective condition: cardboard was not mints, magnets are strong enough, and the lens devoid of flaws. If you are interested in a private conversation can share a link.
If your pocket does not feel the loss of $ 20-30, it makes sense to buy Sardboard in a better performance. Foreign and domestic online stores use only high-quality cardboard, their helmets are sometimes crazy design, they are equipped with upgraded fixtures and lenses have NFC-Sticker, as well as allow you to adjust the position optics. The latter is extremely important, because the eye must pass through both the center of the lens. On this depends the quality of the visual effects and safety helmet for your vision. The choice is yours.
We proceed to the assembly. Hands-hooks, and the absence of spatial thinking led me to resort to using YouTube, on which you can find installation device management easy. In truth, the procedure is simple and, by doing it once, the second time you repeat the already mechanically.
And a little more self-flagellation. In my case, cardboard precaution were printed figures are required to connect to each other. But even such a "childish" approach does not help me figure out just how to do it. :) I hope you will be more lucky and smart.
I will assume that you do not need something to glue to affix to adhesive tape or use the clamp. The design is kept quite normal due to the connection elements and fastening of the usual eraser. I've read complaints about the falling out of the helmet lenses, but the cause is clearly too thin cardboard. In my case, he coped with the task. On the best side we showed itself and magnets: they are securely stuck to each other through a partition, which means that the only "control key" helmet is working properly.
technical issues
Sardboard can be called a universal platform, which will fit almost any modern phone. Of course, it is desirable that its diagonal is from 5 to 5.5 inches. It is important to screen resolution and the value ppi - the more, the better. Why? Imagine you normally see on your phone screen from a distance of not less than 30 centimeters. In this case, the human eye is simply not able to discern its individual pixels. But when you insert your smartphone in a helmet and bring it to her eyes at a distance of 5 centimeters under magnification, there is beginning to be seen clearly small squares. And once again I remind you that in the penny Chinese Cardboard can not adjust the distance between the lenses, that is, adjust it exactly to your smartphone.
I tested in conjunction with Cardboard OnePlus One and Meizu MX4. Both devices have excellent modern FullHD-displays, but even for them the picture begins to lose its integrity. Therefore, the more preferred the more recent developments c 2K-screens.
For comfortable work with applications sharpened under Cardboard, requires a smartphone magnetometer - sensor, evaluating changes in the magnetic field. It records the movement of the magnet on the helmet and interprets them as a certain team. But even without the magnetometer can be dispensed with, although this will be less convenient.
Of course, it does not interfere, and the NFC, with which you can quickly activate any VR-application on the smartphone. But it does not matter.
Software, content and experiences
Video. Fine. But only if you play the special 3D-rollers. They can be found on YouTube or thematic resources on the web. I am feeling a little deeper than the already familiar to us from the view volume of the film in the cinema. Perhaps this is due to the isolation from the surrounding objects and people with privacy in a completely darkened area. Until now ekaet heart when I think python drew me your undivided attention.
Also note that in the adult film industry found its pioneers, using special equipment to shoot a hot POV. We can not say that such an approach completely transforms the genre, but there is definitely a fresh breath, and interest increases.
Separately mention about those few video recordings of concerts, which can be found in the official app Cardboard for Android. Imagine you are standing on the stage with artists and groups of musicians. Rumbles music, thousands of fans breathe it and take off into the air thousands of sparks. The camera (your eyes) are free to look anywhere: at her feet, the sky, the spectators, the drummer, or vocalist. It turns out very atmospheric and exciting.
On Google Play, open spaces you can find so-called VR-players, supposedly specifically designed for virtual reality. They are able to pick up the usual video formats and share the picture on the two eyes to view Cardboard-type devices. But nothing special, I did not find them, the positive effect is minimal. Only the impression that you are looking at a flat picture, but at a hefty screen. And yet. If I have misunderstood something, correct me, please.
The result is not bad, but there is one fatal moment: a long time for all the charms of "live" video monitor is simply impossible.
Eyes get tired after 10 minutes of viewing.
This stems from the imperfections of the lens and incorrect position of the eyes in relation to the screen halves. Therefore, for a long time to enjoy a fairy tale did not work.
Games. Hard to say. Not being a big fan of mobile toys, I tried only the first thing that caught my arm. It was some dark closet, which for no apparent reason the lights went out, and came into the hands of a flashlight. Some unpleasant fear crept into my veins, without delay, and I left the virtual world. :) Of course, the graphics leave much to be desired, but the environment creates a sense of well.
There is the possibility to play in PC-games, but you have pretty zamorochitsya setting up your computer and smartphone. However, according to those who have mastered all the obstacles that come quite a different impression.
Panoramas. Cool! Describe nothing special. After the video bit boring because of static. But the choice will be more: museums, cities, volcanoes, jungles and even outer space.
Attention!
All VR-content weighs very well. Gather volumetric memory cards and not go out of Wi-Fi.
conclusion
It is foolish to compare Cardboard fun with professional crafts in the field of virtual reality, which, as engineering and software finalized to more in-depth, detailed and high-quality immersion in the best worlds. Cardboard helmet is far from technical excellence and at the same time short-lived. But it was he who makes it possible to experience for yourself and get a general impression of this popular phenomenon of virtual reality. And most importantly, you do not need serious investment or waste of time.
I Cardboard fell to their liking. And after a very intrusive wanted to buy something more serious.
Fortunately, that Asian (and other) manufacturers have picked up a wave and began to produce better Plastic helmets for specific models of smartphones with a wide angle images and the ability to control lens position. Their price - around $ 30-50, which is quite acceptable for the average geek. Cardboard recommend to buy. For all the shortcomings of this interesting trend, unusual toy and learning experience.
Still have questions? Ask them in the comments! Do not forget to share your experience and familiarity with Cardboard.