# Actual Reality Headsets The Google Cardboard Plastic is a Brilliant Prank on Modern Technology By Meghan Young | Published 2016-04-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-cardboard-plastic References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/31/11341826/google-cardboard-plastic-vr-headset-april-fools) & [google](https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/plastic/) For those of you who always feel like the beginning of a new month sneaks up on them, well, that's the beauty of [April Fool's Day](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eight-oclock-coffee). Pranks such as this [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses) Cardboard Plastic have time to actually fool people -- if only for a moment. The beauty of this "actual reality headset," however, is that it brilliant (if hilariously) sends an inspiring message about disconnecting. Of course, the Google Cardboard Plastic is meant to make people laugh. With overlaid text describing what this actual reality headset is capable of (i.e. fully immersive, 360 degree sound and 20/20 resolution), it's hard not to. Google itself writes, "what's realer than real? Probably nothing. Or maybe something! I doubt it, though. I think we're done." It'll be interesting to see how many orders are put in for it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Immersive Experience Mockery:** Creating fake immersive experience products as a form of humor can gain consumer attention and spark discussion in the tech industry. - **Satirical Technology Messaging:** Using satirical messaging around technology can be an effective way to shape brand perception and connect with consumers through humor. - **Disconnecting From Technology:** The popularity of technology-related pranks highlights a growing awareness of the need to disconnect from technology and how it impacts our lives. ### Who This Affects Most - **Virtual Reality:** Virtual reality companies can use satire to gain broader public attention and promote more thoughtful discussions about the ethical concerns surrounding virtual reality technology. - **Advertising:** Humorous advertising campaigns that mock the over-the-top promises of technology could be an effective way to connect with consumers and increase brand recognition. - **Entertainment:** Satirical technology products and messaging can be used to create comedy content aimed at tech-savvy audiences, providing opportunities for entertainment industry players to attract new viewers and gain exposure. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Refocused Mixed Reality Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses.md) - [Lens-Cleaning Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microfiber-collection.md) - [Invisible Furniture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invsbal.md) - [Cardboard-Made Holographic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-holographic-display.md) - [Drug-Themed April Fool's Gags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innocean-berlin.md) - [Mixed Reality Headset Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-for-dream.md) - [Digital Professional VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-vr-headset.md) - [Tech-Branded VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-vr-headset-concept.md) - [Practically Styled AR Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oneweek-ar-glasses.md)