Google Store Now Has A VR Section
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Google opened a VR section in the Google Store that listed three headsets: Google Cardboard, the Mattel View-Master, and the Google Tech C1-Glass VR viewer. None were purchasable in Canada at launch, though the View-Master was already stocked at BestBuy.
What was listed
- Google Cardboard. A foldable cardboard viewer that turned a phone into a basic headset.
- Mattel View-Master. A plastic viewer in the style of the classic toy, built around a phone and an app.
- Tech C1-Glass. A third-party viewer sold through Google’s storefront.
Canadian availability
The Google Store did not list the products for Canadian shoppers at launch. Canadians could buy the View-Master through a major retailer, and the expectation was that Google Store listings would follow.
Why phone-based VR mattered then
Dedicated PC headsets cost far more than a phone-based viewer. Cardboard-style designs let anyone with a compatible Android phone try virtual reality for a small sum, which made the format a popular first step.
Where VR went next
Google later stepped back from its own VR headset programs, while standalone headsets from other makers grew in popularity. Phone-based viewers are now a niche product.
Frequently asked questions
Do VR viewers need a special phone?
They need a phone with the right sensors and a compatible app. Check the viewer's requirements.
Was the Cardboard viewer expensive?
Phone-based viewers were among the lowest-cost ways to try VR.
Are these headsets sold today?
Availability varies. Check current retailers before buying.