Why Google's Jump for Cardboard Is a Game Changer

Over the past year, a number of mobile manufacturers have released device-dependent VR headsets, but PCMag analysts have been largely underwhelmed by this steady parade of face-tech due largely to price, limited content, and similarities to the Oculus Rift.

However, there was one immersive non-Oculus tech that, at the very least, got me excited. And that was Google Cardboard. Cardboard is an open-source DIY VR headset that works with just about any smartphone and can be built at home for around $10. And unlike Oculus, it's available right now.

I've used Oculus and Cardboard, and I've found the VR experiences comparable. But Cardboard works with the smartphone you already have (Android or iOS), and therein lays its great promise.

Cardboard's low pricepoint makes virtual reality content available to anyone with a compatible smartphone, and at this year's I/O conference, Google announced a number of Cardboard enhancements that promise to make the platform even more accessible.

An updated model of Cardboard is now easier to assemble and will work with larger devices up to 6 inches. YouTube will also start hosting VR video later this summer, where it will join a bevy of already available immersive photos.

Google also introduced Jump, an open-source model that utilizes 16 video cameras placed on a circular rig to capture immersive content, which can then be seamlessly stitched together with remote computing power, bringing the power of VR video creation to the masses.

Jump is a system that can be used with any digital camera, but Google specifically mentioned a partnership with GoPro to create a rig out of 16 Hero4 cameras, something GoPro showed off at the Code conference this week. Creators can then upload the various camera feeds to the remote "Jump Assembler," which will use massive computing power to create seamless virtual content. Google says "select creators will get access to Jump starting this summer," and the company is currently looking for volunteers, if you're interested.

Jump will take on some of the heavy lifting (in technical know-how and computing power) that was previously needed to capture VR video content. No prices have been announced—for the rigs or (if any) for using the Assembler—but 16 Hero4s alone will set you back about $6,400. 

That's quite a hefty price. However, it's not entirely out of place compared to other super high-end video equipment out there. We should also keep in mind that Jump's open source model could be used with other, more affordable cameras, bringing the price down considerably.

This is all a new technology that will improve in quality and price point over time. Whether this will be the year that VR breaks or not (probably not), it appears that Google has started us down the path that will make virtual reality—consumption and creation—a reality reality.

I'm still getting excited, at least.