Skip to main content

Google brings Cardboard Camera to iOS, improves sharing and adds features

google cardboard camera ios weekend workshop diy
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Cardboard Camera, Google’s app that lets you create and view 360-degree virtual reality images, is now coming to iOS.

The app, which has only been available on Android until now, lets you take panorama photos as you hold the device vertically. The images will be stitched together, and if you have a VR headset lying around — whether it’s a Google Cardboard or a Samsung Gear VR — you’ll be able to view them as if you were really there.

“Near things look near and far things look far,” according to the Google blog. “You can look around to explore the image in all directions, and even hear sound recorded while you took the photo to hear the moment exactly as it happened.”

The iOS app also brings more sharing functions, which are new to the Android app as well. Now, whenever you tap “share,” whether it’s for multiple photos or a single one, the app will create a link that you can email, text, or post to social media. When you click the link, you’ll be able to see all the shared images or albums. If you’re on mobile, you’ll have the option of installing the app so you can view them on a VR headset.

If you do have the app, the images are saved in a “Shared with you” section.

It is nice to see Google continuing to support Cardboard VR, especially considering that the search giant is preparing to launch its Android Daydream VR platform for high-quality mobile VR content in the coming weeks. It remains unclear how Cardboard apps will play into the new platform as Daydream takes the stage, and we will report on further developments.

Editors' Recommendations

Julian Chokkattu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Julian is the mobile and wearables editor at Digital Trends, covering smartphones, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and more…
I’ve been using iOS 17 for months. These 4 new things are the best
Spotlight on iOS 17.

Spotlight on iOS 17 Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends

The rollout of iOS 17 is official, and it freshens the software experience on iPhones dating as far back as the iPhone XR. I’ve been testing it on my iPhone 14 Pro ever since the first public beta rolled out, at the peril of unreliable battery life and random stutters all across the board.

Read more
Can my iPhone get iOS 17? Here’s every supported model
Someone holding an iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro next to each other.

The latest version of iOS, iOS 17, comes with a host of new features, including phone call customizations, Live Voicemail, updated iMessage features, and many more. While the update is compatible with many iPhone models, it is not supported by all.

Apple's iOS 17 was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023) alongside iPadOS, macOS, and more updates. It's an exciting update, but is it one you can get on your iPhone?
Which iPhone models can download iOS 17?
Apple iPhone 8 Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Read more
I record interviews for work. These are my favorite free recorder apps
The iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro's voice recording apps running together.

The Voice Recorder app on a phone (left) and the Voice Memos on another phone Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Before you head to the app store on your phone to buy a voice-recording app, take a moment to consider the apps that may already be installed on your phone. Why? In my experience, they're likely all you really need. I’ve recorded interviews and voice-overs for work for years, and I’ve found the two best examples come preinstalled on your phone already, so they’re entirely free to use.

Read more