Introduction: Using the Google Cardboard Viewer With a Google Daydream Headset

By
About: An electrical engineer who likes to make things. | Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/dwink/designs | Twitter: https://twitter.com/D_Winker

Google Cardboard Camera is a fantastic app that captures 3D panoramas and records audio during capture. Viewing these 3D images requires some kind of phone-based VR headset; nominally a Google Cardboard. The Cardboard includes lenses, a slot for the phone, and a clever way for the user to tap the screen while wearing the headset. It does not have a strap though, so extended use is uncomfortable. Actually, being that it's made of cardboard, it isn't very comfortable for any length of time.

Google Daydream is a phone-based VR headset that does have a strap, and includes a wireless remote that can connect to the user's phone. Inexplicably, this Google headset and Google remote are not compatible with the Google Cardboard app. The Daydream can be used to view images, but cannot be used to navigate through the gallery, even though navigation requires one and only one input: tapping the screen.

(Pictured: Google Daydream, Google Cardboard)

Supplies

To modify your headset you will need

  • A drill and large drill bit (approximately the size of your pointer or pinky finger)
  • Pliers
  • 2 Small stick-on felt pads

Step 1: How Does the Cardboard Click?

The Google Cardboard has a "button" that the user can depress with their pointer finger, as if taking a picture with a camera. This "button" is covered in metallic mesh and is part of a lever whose other end is also covered in metallic mesh, and is electrically connected to the "button."

Pressing the "button" causes the other end of the lever to press against the phone screen. The touch screen of a modern phone measures the change in capacitance that occurs when your finger presses against it. By electrically connecting the lever to your body through the metallic mesh, you can tap the screen through the button.

I tried recreating this mechanism on the Daydream using a small metal rod, some wire, and a piece of conductive foam. The rod was mounted to the inside of the Daydream using a 3D Printer Pen and a hole was drilled into the top so a piece of wire could stick out as the "button." This didn't work! So I removed it and moved on. It should have worked though, and the next step will explain why it didn't.

(This is a valid option, but step 3 of this Instructable is a simpler alternative)

Step 2: Replace the Black Rubber Nubs

The Daydream has six rubber nubs that press against the phone's screen to hold it in place. Two of these are black and are conductive; they're likely made from a rubber mixture containing graphite. Behind the two nubs you'll find metal. This metal seems to provide enough capacitance to convince your phone that the rubber nubs touching it are fingers touching the screen. Unfortunately, if a finger is already touching the screen, the Cardboard Viewer won't let you tap.

Remove these nubs using pliers, then replace them with felt (or non-conductive rubber) pads.

Step 3: Drill a Hole

Carefully drill a hole into the right or left side of the headset - whichever seems most convenient. This hole will let you tap the screen with your actual finger. It does let in light, but it can easily be covered, and the light intrusion does not seem to cause problems.

You may want to cut the fabric on the outside of the Daydream before drilling this hole, otherwise it will wrap around the drill bit and likely tear, as mine did.

Happy viewing!