Google's cardboard virtual headset becomes huge hit ... and it only costs US$4
Google releasing new version of its headgear, which, at US$4, is one of its cheapest gadgets
Google says one of its least expensive innovations - virtual reality headgear made of cardboard - has become a huge hit.
And the tech giant said it has a new version of its cardboard gadget, which consumers can buy for as little as US$4.
Playfully named Google Cardboard debuted last year at the internet giant's annual developers conference.
One simply folds the cardboard into goggles of a sort that have eye holes opening into a slot designed to hold smartphones that serve as display screens for immersive videos.
"It took off; people keep finding new and creative uses of Google Cardboard virtual reality," vice president of product management Clay Bavor said at a Google I/O developers gathering that concluded on Friday.
"One guy even proposed to his girlfriend using Google Cardboard. I'm not sure how that worked, but I hope she said yes."
Bavor introduced a second-generation version of Cardboard that required less folding and was adapted to the popularity of large-screen smartphones.