Home MacProf Digital Photo ,,,,,Applications for Virtual Reality are growing exponentially both for the activity of developers and for the ever greater ease in the creation of 360 ° images and videos.
In addition to the viewers of higher price and performance, there is a whole class of low weight and basic technology products that can be used to access VR content both occasionally, during presentations and events, without carrying complex equipment and they do it based on one standard created by Google to manage functional compatibility with different types of applications that require a minimum of interaction with a single button or the touch on the screen or the activation of menu items by collimating a pointer on a position of the virtual space around the user.
And this is what the two viewers we have on test do: they are both produced by an Italian company that made them with the specifications of the “Works with Google Cardboard” certification, the certificate that ensures their operation with the thousands of Cardboard apps both on iOS than on Android and therefore also with the 360 images that we produce on macitynet.it.
What we want to verify is the quality of the materials and the design of what may appear to be a simple folded cardboard but that needs care to contain your precious smartphone and ensure both a good vision and a durability of the product, both that you use it directly, or that it is made available to different users.
The models we tested are QR CARDBOARD V2 and QR CARDBOARD BOX by qrcardboard: they are distinguished by the shape in which they are assembled and shipped and for some details that we analyze in detail.
V2, The visor with protection
The first is QR CARDBOARD V2 which here in our test is in black version (but it is also available in white version or Havana or customized version): it is a parallelepiped that is already pre-assembled and very easy to use right away, since it is enough to remove the protection and with very few simple gestures it is immediately operational thanks to the presence of easily detachable and re-attachable veltro parts.
The Velcro buttons, unlike some “Chinese” cardboard we have used in recent months, are firmly attached to the cardboard envelope. V2 has in common with Box the WWGC mark that certifies compatibility with Google Apps, the double convex lenses with a diameter of 34 mm with a focal length of 45 mm, on the front there is an intelligent anti-perspiration system and to prevent the phone from slipping away there is a very simple but comfortable elastic.
The conductor button on the top works as for all standard cardboard as an input click to activate menus or exit a particular scene or move on to the next. Obviously, for applications that require it, there is the QR code for configuring Cardboard.
When you have finished using it, it can easily fit into the cardboard it came with and you can carry it with you in a large bag or large pocket. In recent weeks we have used it profitably for some virtual photo tours in homes that are normally closed to the public.
In our video below we show you how to insert your smartphone and how it works once you have installed a Cardboard application and its display
Box, The viewer that can be sent, also ideal for playing games
The second model that we are going to assemble starting from its flat shape, designed for shipping or distribution for events and as a more suitable tool for merchandising is the BOX model sold in a neutral version, with stickers or completely customized with offset printing.
In this case we have a “flattened” viewer but easily assembled with the same type of 34 mm and 45 mm focal length lenses but instead of having an input with a conductor key we have the direct touch through a hole that does not give us problems with the many smartphone models we tested it with.
Folding the cardboard to get to the final geometry with which the full functionality of the BOX is ensured is very simple since, once the cardboard that functions as a protection has been detached, the instructions are found directly inside: the thing to which you need to pay more attention it is the central element that functions as a “brace” and that gives a rigid shape to the whole.
As you can see from our video, here there is no “touch” button as for the V2 model but you use your finger more simply and directly to manage interactivity with the 360-degree scene. Thanks to this hole you can change your view or manage the operations required by the virtual reality app.
Also in the BOX you will find the configuration QR Code compatible with the Google Cardboard standard.
To ensure the viewer during your virtual visit and especially during the most animated games without having to hold the viewer with your hands, there is a simple and comfortable elastic band that allows, thanks to the lightness of the viewer and a good design of the support on the face, to have fun for a long time completely immersed in a 360 ° world
We tested the two viewers with different phone models from iPhone SE up: obviously it is advisable to have a phone with a screen of 4.5 inches or higher and with a good resolution to get the best quality result. For iPhone, obviously the Plus models are to be preferred both for resolution and screen size.
Conclusions The quality of the product, the large lenses, the ease of interaction and the availability of two models, one easy to use immediately and the other easier to distribute, make this product realized in Italy an excellent choice both for those who want to use them personally for play or for exploration apps and for those who have to promote applications or virtual visits in the field of tourism, commerce or gaming. The customization takes place on the neutral ones with digitally printed stickers, while on the completely customized ones with offset printing (for these options you must contact QR Cardboard directly).
Pro Works With Google Cardboard Certification, Configuration QR CODE, Conductor Button (for V2) Direct Touch (for Box), Preassembled (V2) Reusable Protective Case (V2), Version flat excellent for shipping (Box), Anti-perspiration system.
Cons Preparation of the stiffening element in the BOX system not entirely intuitive
Retail price
Retail price: V2 is sold in three colors at 9.90 euros and free shipping for two pieces but they are widely customizable with offset prints starting from 100 pieces. The price of the personalized products varies according to the quantities, for large quantities it is considerably lowered, up to 3.50 euros each. Same thing for the BOX sold at 9.90 euros, with free shipping with the minimum purchase of two pieces and widely customizable. For more information, visit qrcardboard.com.
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