# Simplistic Virtual Reality Headsets The Google Cardboard is for Everyone with Smartphones By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-06-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-cardboard References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/technology/google-cardboard-smartphone-virtual-reality-headset-06-27-2014/) & [developers.google](https://developers.google.com/cardboard/) [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses) Cardboard is a new device from the massive company that is extremely economical and surprisingly simplistic coming from such a complex brand. The design is made from cardboard, and is a [headset that attaches to one's smartphone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/android-xr). Although people can buy the device for a low cost, they can also simply make this themselves. After eating a pizza on a Friday or Saturday, one can take the cardboard, download the files from the site and try their hand at putting together this DIY virtual reality headset. However, I would not recommend putting the device on while walking around outside. For one, you could run into numerous objects, and two, it does look a bit out of place. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/technology/google-cardboard-smartphone-virtual-reality-headset-06-27-2014/), [developers.google](https://developers.google.com/cardboard/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Simplistic Virtual Reality:** The trend of creating affordable and user-friendly virtual reality experiences using simple materials like cardboard opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the VR industry. - **DIY Virtual Reality:** The trend of providing instructions and resources for users to create their own virtual reality headsets at a low cost enables innovative DIY and maker communities to explore new possibilities in VR technology. - **Mobile VR:** The trend of leveraging smartphones as the primary platform for virtual reality experiences creates opportunities for disruptive innovation at the intersection of mobile technology and VR. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can explore new opportunities in creating affordable and accessible virtual reality headsets for a wider consumer base. - **Education:** The education industry can harness the potential of DIY virtual reality headsets to develop immersive and interactive learning experiences for students of all ages. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can innovate by integrating mobile virtual reality experiences and creating unique gameplay mechanics that fully utilize the capabilities of DIY headsets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Refocused Mixed Reality Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses.md) - [Wooden Retro-Style VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stereoscopic-display-system.md) - [Transforming Smartphone VR Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porket-vr-phone-case.md) - [Tech-Branded VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-vr-headset-concept.md) - [Wearable VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-vr-cap.md) - [Digital Professional VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-vr-headset.md) - [3D-Printed VR Headset Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/0-vr-headset.md) - [Wood-Paneled VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-vr-headset.md) - [Ultra-Thin VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thin-vr-headset.md)