A cardboard virtual reality (VR) headset is an affordable, lightweight, and scalable option to access VR activities.
By following these 8 simple steps, you can start learning with your cardboard VR headset in no time!
- Assemble the headset
- Toggle orientation lock to off
- Ensure volume is turned on
- Launch the VR experience
- Enable motion control
- Enable VR mode
- Place your phone inside the headset
- Make selections through gaze interaction or capacitive touch
Now that you have your very own cardboard virtual reality (VR) headset, you may be wondering how to actually use it. We’re here to help you by providing 8 simple instructions for both iPhone and Android users.
As an experienced VR training program provider, Roundtable Learning is your expert on all things VR. If you’re wondering how to use your cardboard VR headset, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will cover what a cardboard VR headset is and the 8 step-by-step instructions needed for using a cardboard VR headset with an iPhone or Android device.
What Is A Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset?
A cardboard VR headset is an affordable, lightweight, and scalable option to access VR training activities. These headsets cost $7 – $12 a set, so they can be easily bought in bulk and scaled across an organization.
A cardboard VR headset is one of three additional ways that learners can access a VR training activity without a standard VR headset. A cardboard VR headset is a great option for organizations that may not be ready to invest in full-scale VR hardware.
Benefits Of Using A Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset
- Cost-effective — Cardboard headsets range from $7 – $12 a set, which is significantly less expensive than other headsets, like an Oculus or Vive.
- Scalable — Given their compact size, cardboard headsets can be conveniently shipped to learners across the country.
- Light-weight and comfortable — Cardboard is a lightweight material that learners may find more comfortable to wear than standard VR hardware.
- Compatible across iPhone and Android devices — Both iPhone and Android users can launch VR content on their device and place it into their headset.
8 Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Use A Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset
Step 1: Assemble Your Cardboard Headset
Before you can use your cardboard headset, you’ll need to set it up. This is completed in 5 simple steps.
- When you first get your cardboard headset, slide the headset out of the sleeve.
- Lift up on the top tab of the headset to release the velcro.
- Open the sides (these are folded under the top tab after you open it) and rotate the flap over to the backside of the case.
- Attach the round velcro pieces together to secure the sides.
- Remove the protective blue coverings from the lenses.
Now that you’ve assembled the headset itself, it’s time to prepare your Apple or Android device.
Step 2: Toggle Orientation Lock To Off
The VR experience is designed to be viewed in a horizontal format, so learners need to check to make sure their orientation lock is turned off. This way, a learner’s phone will be able to rotate into landscape mode and they’ll be able to view the VR program.
For iPhone users with iOS 14 and newer, swipe down from the upper right corner of your screen and make sure this button is off.
For Android users, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Auto-rotate screen, and make sure the checkmark is removed.
Step 3: Ensure Volume Is Turned On
Before you launch your VR activity, you should ensure your device’s volume is turned on. Directions and information may be explained through audio at the launch of the course, as well as throughout the activity, so learners will need their sound on.
For iPhone users, volume controls are on the left side of the device. Learners should flip the switch up so that the orange tag isn’t showing and click the upper button to the desired volume level.
For Android users, volume controls are on the upper left side of the device. Learners should ensure the volume is turned up to their desired level by clicking the top button to increase volume.
Step 4: Launch The Virtual Reality Experience
The next step is to launch the VR experience from the browser on your mobile device. This is accessed through an assigned URL for the activity. Learners have access to this URL through a learning management system (LMS), email, extended reality system (XRS), or even a text message.
For iPhone users, Safari is the preferred browser.
For Android users, Chrome is the preferred browser.
Read More: 4 Ways Virtual Reality Training Can Save Your Organization Money
Step 5: Enable Motion Control
After launching the course, learners will be taken to the “Enable Motion Control” screen. Motion control allows access to your device’s motion sensors, which gives learners the ability to freely navigate within the VR experience.
For iPhone users with iOS 13 and newer, select “Allow”. If you accidentally select “Deny”, refresh the browser and select “Allow”. Then, a popup message will appear. Select “Allow” again to continue.
*For iPhone users with iOS 12 or older, users will have to navigate to Settings > Safari > then enable “Motion & Orientation Access”. Then, relaunch the interaction. Note: iOS 12 or older may not work correctly with VR capabilities.
For Android users, select “Allow” to continue. If you accidentally select “Deny”, refresh the browser and select “Allow”. This will bring up a message generated by Android. Select “Allow” again to continue.
Step 6: Enable Virtual Reality Mode
To turn on VR capabilities, press the VR button located in the bottom right corner of your screen. Once VR mode is enabled, your screen will look like this:
NOTE: If you don’t see the VR button, you may need to scroll down on the browser until you see the button.
Step 7: Place Your Phone Into The Headset
After completing the steps listed above, you can place your iPhone or Android into the cardboard VR headset with your device’s screen facing the lenses. Then close the front cover and attach the velcro strap on top.
Read More: How To Update VR Training Content Wirelessly With A MDM Or XRS
Step 8: Make Selections In Virtual Reality Mode
There are two ways to interact with VR content with a cardboard headset: gaze interaction and capacitive touch.
For iPhone users, the button on the right side of your cardboard headset acts as your selection tool, similar to your finger making a selection by touching your screen. To make selections with capacitive touch, be sure to align your cursor with the object or button you want to interact with, then press the silver button firmly. If an issue arises where your button isn’t working, make sure there’s nothing interfering with the connection of the button and your phone’s screen.
iPhone users can also interact with content through gaze interaction. Users simply align the small circle on their screen onto the object or button you want to interact with, then wait for the reticle to shrink and make the selection.
For Android users, selections are made solely through gaze interaction. On the center of your screen, there is a small circular reticle. To make a selection, align this reticle on top of the button or object you want to interact with and wait for the reticle to shrink. This typically happens within 1 second, then the selection is made.
Use Your Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset With Ease!
In this article, we’ve outlined the 8 steps for setting up and using your cardboard VR headset. We hope that when it comes time to use your cardboard headset, you feel confident that you can use it properly and use this guide as a resource if any issues arise.
Ready to start designing your own custom VR training program or have any questions? Our experts are excited to chat with you and start designing your new training program today!
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