Are you wondering how you can use Google Cardboard with Gear VR?
Let’s find out.
How to Use Google Cardboard with Gear VR?
Here’s how you use Google Cardboard apps on Samsung Gear VR.
- Download Play Cardboard apps for Gear VR from the Google play store.
- To enable device administration, tap “Enable Device Administration.”
- Click “Activate” in Device Administrator.
- To use Google Cardboard mode, tap the Google Cardboard icon.
Now, you can use any of the Google Cardboard apps that are available in the Google Play store. Now, you can use any other Google Cardboard apps that aren’t available in the Google Play Store.
Google Cardboard Apps for Gear VR
The Google Cardboard App is a free download from Oculus Store. It’s designed for use with the Samsung Galaxy S5, S6, S6 edge, and Note 4 phones that have been equipped with Gear VR headsets. At this time, the app is only available in English.
Cardboard is an Android app that allows developers to create their own VR apps using smartphones as display devices.
Apps made from cardboard are compatible with all Android devices that run KitKat 4.4 (or higher).
Gear VR
With the arrival of the Samsung Gear, we’ve seen an enormous increase in the number of competitors in the VR field, with major innovations occurring in the areas of untethering and immersive viewing.
Compared to the Gear VR, the Oculus Go seems rather basic, but it offers an interesting way into the world of virtual realities for those with a limited pocketbook.
The Gear has had a few updates over the years to align with the latest Galaxy smartphones.
Design and Build
Despite some minor changes over the years, the Oculus Rift has not really evolved much in terms of its design.
Padding
The foam-padded earbuds come with a set of velcro straps to keep them securely in place. If they become too uncomfortable, you can remove the foam padding and replace it with a new one.
Built-in Display
Unlike other headsets that have their own built-in displays, the Gear VR works by connecting to a smartphone, which snaps into the headgear and connects to the device.
Touchpad
It has a touchpad on the left, as well as home, end, and back buttons for navigation. You can also use the right button on the top of the device to navigate through your phone system.
Comfort
It fits comfortably over most eyeglasses and reduces some of the heat associated to a similar device.
Ease of Use
Among other more complex VR headsets, the Samsung gear is likely to be one of the most accessible to beginners.
It may feel strange at first to wear a smartwatch in front of your eyes, but after using it for a few days, you won’t even notice it anymore.
Oculus App and Controller
Once you’ve connected your phone to the Gear VR, it will prompt you to download an Oculus app from the Play Store.
If you don’t already own a Gear VR headset, there’s a new Oculus Go standalone version of the device available for purchase.
Setting Up
Setting up your VR system for use is a fairly straightforward task with the Samsung Gear VR headset. There’s lots of info available to help guide you through the setup procedure and ensure that everything works properly.
However, the calibration process takes some time. On the positive side, you’re going to be able to use your charger when you’re charging your device.
Visuals and Performance
Because the Samsung Gear VR uses the screen of your smartphone as its display, the visual and performance qualities of the display depending on which smartphone you use.
If you’re going to use the Galaxy S9 from Samsung, you’ll appreciate its Quad HD screen and AMOLED display.
With this device, there’ll be no worries about ghosting or blurring. However, the visual quality may vary depending on which device you use.
Field of View
The 101-degree field-of-view (FOV) camera follows your head as you walk, and there are some blurry spots that appear occasionally.
One thing to keep in mind is that although the visuals may look nice on some phones, the performance of the device might not always be up to par.
Your phone doesn’t always have the same processing speed as a full computer. It gets quite warm after using it for a short time, so be careful.
Controller
The gamepad has a small remote-like feel with a trigger button and a touchpad. It doesn’t add anything unique to the overall gaming experience, but it does work well for both left and right-handed players.
You can adjust the sensitivity of the controller, but if you want to get the best out of the device, you should stick with the default settings.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Gear VR depends on what type of content you’re playing. The average amount of time you can expect to spend in VR before needing to charge the device is around two hours.
You can extend the battery life by turning off the motion tracking feature.
Price
The Samsung Gear VR costs around $99.99, while the Oculus Go costs around $129.95. If you’re looking for something cheaper, check out our list of the Best Virtual Reality Headsets Under $100.
Specifications
- Resolution: 1080 x 1200 pixels
- Display Type: AMOLED
- Foldable Design: Yes
- Weight: 0.3 pounds
- Size: 6.4 inches x 4.7 inches
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- USB Type C Port
- Camera: 2MP
- Storage: 32GB/64GB
- Charger: Yes
- Headset Ports: HMD port
- Input Method: Touchpad
- Tracking Sensors: Gyroscope
- Audio Output
- Built-in Speakers
- Control Panel: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
Conclusion
Compared to some of its competitors, the Samsung Gear VR isn’t quite as powerful. It has limitations when compared to other VR headsets.
However, this particular game offers an excellent entry point into the world of VR for people who don’t have a ton of cash to spend on additional tech.
If you’re a true beginner to the VR world, or if you already own a Samsung phone and just need to learn some new features, get yourself a GearVR.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below.