Google has announced its foray into the smartphone virtual reality space with an app named Cardboard.

The app is described as a “no-frills enclosure that transforms a phone into a basic VR headset”. Google has also released instructions on how to build a virtual reality viewer to use with the smartphone app. The viewer is constituted primarily of everyday items, including cardboard, lenses, magnets, velcro, a rubber band, and an optional stick NFC tag.

Released with the app is the accompanying open software toolkit, as well a tutorial on how to start coding. Android phones must be running Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or above to support Cardboard. Google will also be hosting a talk about virtual reality on Android on June 26, from 10am PST.

Will you be trying out Cardboard? Let us know in the comments below!