Google unveils a new certification program for third party Cardboard headsets

Ever since Google announced Cardboard, the inexpensive DIY virtual reality platform, a number of different manufacturers have created low-cost headsets that work with the tech, including Mattel, DODOcase and LG. If you’ve ever tried to buy a third party Cardboard-compatible headset for yourself, you’d know it can get a little tricky. Not because these units are hard to find, but because some manufacturers aren’t clear that their VR viewers are compatible with the Cardboard platform. That’s why today, Google has announced a new “Works with Google Cardboard” certification program to help unify all of the Cardboard-compatible headsets available on the market.

With so many viewers available to the public, a good number of them don’t include the same optics and dimensions as the others. To help unify the experience, manufacturers will now need to place a QR code on their headset so users can scan it with the Cardboard app, which will optimize the Cardboard VR experience for that particular viewer. Also, manufacturers can apply for a certification badge (shown above) so consumers will know at a glance that the viewer works with Cardboard.

Google is also bringing new categories to the Cardboard section in Google Play to help you find apps more quickly. New categories include Music and Video, Games, and Experiences. Additionally, Google has updated its Cardboard SDKs and design guidelines to help developers make smooth and beautiful VR applications.