Google Maps Street View becomes your virtual reality

Google Cardboard: VR on the cheap. Photo: Google

Google Cardboard: VR on the cheap. Photo: Google

Own a Google Cardboard headset? You can now use it with Google Maps to make Street View your virtual reality. The “easter egg” lets you tour virtual cities from your smartphone like never before, and it could be easier to activate.

The feature splits your regular Street View interface in two, giving both of your eyes an individual image when you strap on Google Cardboard. To active it, simply find the place you wish to visit inside Street View, then double-tap the navigation button in the bottom right corner.

Virtual reality in Street View. Photo: Google

Virtual reality in Street View. Photo: Google

Google Cardboard is the cheapest way to turn your Android phone into a virtual reality headset; it’s essentially a Samsung Gear VR alternative that supports a lot more devices and comes at a fraction of the price. Kits cost as little as $20 and are super simple to put together, and there are already more than 20 apps that offer Cardboard support.

Google has shipped over half a million Cardboard kits to date, proving there is definitely a market for inexpensive virtual reality. The search giant has also released a Cardboard SDK for developers, allowing them to build new apps and games with Cardboard support.