Google Cardboard VR viewer goes on sale in new virtual reality store
Google Cardboard offers a simple VR experience -- and you can build it yourself.
Google has put its Cardboard VR viewer on sale in its own online store, allowing those who previously missed out on special promotions to get their hands on the virtual reality device.
The Cardboard VR View-Master and C1-Glass VR viewers have also been made available to the public in a new, quietly opened, section of Google's online store dedicated to Virtual Reality, inviting customers to "experience the magic of VR with your smartphone".
Google Cardboard is described as providing an "immersive experience" which allows users to "travel the world, go on stage with your favourite artists, experience thrilling simulations and more". It is priced at $15 each, or $25 for two units. The Google Tech C1-Glass VR Viewer, described as "made for VR adventures on the go" is available for $15 and boasts a "lightweight, portable design".
Also available is the child-friendly Mattel View-Master VR Starter Pack, which Google says "blends education with fun," providing kids with virtual reality worlds to explore. The childrens' version of Google's VR device is priced at $30 and comes with a preview reel of special content for children to use.
Despite its soft launch, demand for Google Cardboard VR appears high, with the store suggesting that stock has been snapped up, resulting in no products available to order at the time of writing.
Google Cardboard is compatible with "most" Android smartphones -- as well as Apple's iPhones. Google particularly recommends certain phones for the best VR experience, such as the Google Nexus 6P and Google Nexus 5X smartphones, which are for sale in its dedicated VR shop.
As of January this year, Google claimed that over five million Cardboard VR viewers had shipped in just over 18 months, with over 25 million installs of virtual reality apps via the Google Play store.
Google opened its virtual reality store shortly after HTC announced that its Vive virtual reality headset will ship in early April for $799.