500K people already using Google's cardboard VR headset

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE: Google has shipped 500,000 Project Cardboard headset kits.

Samsung and Oculus Rift may be generating much of the excitement around the concept of virtual reality headsets, but Google is the one clocking up the sales. 

Since launching its somewhat whimsical take on the smartphone-powered Virtual Reality headset — Project Cardboard — back in May, the company says that there are already over 500,000 do-it-yourself headsets in use. 

In fact, the cardboard headsets are proving such a hit that Google has now launched a dedicated app and a special Collections page inside its Google Play Store app shop front, which already has 25 apps to choose from. 

Once the headset is constructed (from cardboard, a metal washer and two magnifying lenses), all the wearer needs is a compatible Android smartphone (i.e., one with a 5in HD display) to sit in it and run the app. 

And even though we are in the very early days of Virtual Reality, car companies and rock stars are already finding very novel and exciting uses for it. 

At the LA Auto Show in November, Volvo used Google Project Cardboard headsets to offer visitors to its stand a virtual test drive of its latest models. Meanwhile in recent weeks both Paul McCartney and Jack White have launched immersive music apps for the headset. 

As Google Cardboard's product manager, Andrew Nartker, said in a blogpost announcing the 500,000 headset milestone: "The growth of mobile, and the acceleration of open platforms like Android make it an especially exciting time for VR. There are more devices, and more enthusiastic developers than ever before, and we can't wait to see what's next! We're also working on a few projects ourselves." 

Google's news comes in the same week that Samsung finally launched its own Virtual Reality headset, the Gear VR, which was developed in partnership with Oculus VR, makers of the Oculus Rift headset. 

Like Google's Project Cardboard, the headset comes to life via a smartphone. However, unlike Project Cardboard, Samsung's headset costs US$199 (RM695) and will only function with its latest flagship phablet, the Galaxy Note 4. — AFP/Relaxnews 2014