Yes, you can experience virtual reality (VR) with an iPad (or more specifically, especially because of size, the iPad Mini).

As you can probably guess, it looks a little odd. If you thought that Google Cardboard with the smartphone looked strange, then sticking an iPad on your face is even stranger. But, instead of imagining it, take a look for yourself, with this video:

AirVR is a big proponent of this iPad VR trend. Though, that trend started about three years ago. It is a good sign that it hasn’t gone away yet, even with its strange appearance.

AirVR has done a nice job with the graphics, above, in the video, but we do wish that they would work a bit on the sound and maybe sound a little excited about the product. But, hey, the idea is to see if we want to use an iPad for VR and how feasible it is, right?

Pros and Cons of the iPad VR Experience

The Pros of using an iPad (Mini) for the virtual reality experience is that you can benefit from the graphics, as well as all of the features that make the iPad awesome in the first place. Also, with the newer iPads, you can obtain cellular service (as opposed to the really old iPads, from way back when, as in the original iPads). This is a matter of chatting with your mobile service provider and obtaining a SIM card for your iPad. So, you don’t have to worry about cellular coverage or any sacrifices in that department when it comes to selecting the iPad over the iPhone for your VR experience.

The Cons that will come your way with the iPad VR is that it is funny looking and, uh, big. It is like a large board across your face and possibly that can affect your ability to breathe. Yes, you can breathe, but let’s face it, it is a bit of an awkward device for VR. Then again, as you can see from the AirVR video, they have thought of everything when it comes to adapting the thing for your face.

One other possible challenge is that you may not have the same mobility as you would with the smartphone VR. In fact, you won’t have the same mobility (no pun intended). But, the question is how much mobility you really need. Possibly, the iPad setup is just perfect the way it is and the mobility and movement aspect is not a disadvantage at all.

What is on Amazon for the Tablet/iPad?

One could spend hours (literally) searching for the perfect viewer or other gear for the iPad VR experience, on Amazon. And, even after that hour of searching, it is possible that nothing pops. A couple of different things are happening. In some cases, you may find an iPad case (no pun intended) and the vendor has included the acronym “VR” in the title and that is why it shows up as if it is a viewer. (True story! I saved you from the unpleasant experience of following that useless link.)

In other cases, like the example we are about to use, it is yet another situation. In that case, the iPad VR gear is normal VR gear that is accessed a certain way.

How is that, you ask? By using a smart controller (remote control).

To help explain this a bit easier, let’s take a look at the example >> “Ecoastal 2016 New Version 3D VR Virtual Reality Glasses Headset with Remote Wireless Controller, Focal & Pupil Distance adjustment” (affiliate).

We are not necessarily recommending this bundle (although it looks pretty good) but we are using it as an example. If you visit that bundle, scroll down the list of features. At the bottom of the list of features, you will notice verbiage that explains it all. It mentions that the bundle can be used with a tablet as long as the remote control is used. Of course, an example of a tablet is the iPad or iPad Mini, even though those are not the only tablets out there.

With the remote control capability, we have the ability to do quite a few things. Add that Bluetooth technology and you are connecting this with that and vice versa. That is the magic of being able to use the iPad for VR. Or, at least it is one way.

Ok, I think we can agree that the iPad Mini VR contraption might look a little strange. It looks sort of like a plank attached to your face.

Granted, the benefits are there, when compared to regular smartphones. There are the added benefits that come with the iPad, like graphics, sound, etc. And, when using the iPad Mini for VR, all of those features transfer over to your VR experience.

But, that doesn’t change the fact that you look funny wearing a tablet on your face 😉

In trying to find a viewer/headset that worked with the iPad, we came up a bit empty. However, we did find some really helpful videos that showed us how to create our own viewers. Think along the lines of Google Cardboard and you have the right idea.

In this case, it is a matter of grabbing the next delivery box that comes through your front door, along with some scissors and cutting it to shape it into your new viewer.

YouTube Videos for Your Educational (or Entertainment) Value

How to Make a Virtual Reality Headset Cheap for iPad

This one is interesting and it certainly boasts of a pretty pink magnifying glass, as well as some grooving music to inspire you as you build whatever it is you are building.

Google Launches Cardboard VR Headset for Tablets

For real? Seriously? Not… but you have to watch it! You will be glad that you did!

My Cardboard iPad Mini

Need to save money? This is cardboard in the truest sense. This is virtual in the truest sense. Get ready for your True VR iPad…

Making a DIY Virtual Reality Headset Using a 7″ Android Tablet
This one is a long video. It is probably the most realistic as far as what might work, but do you WANT it to work? At the end of the video, you have something that looks like the evolution of the Village People version of a tablet VR viewer headset to a “Back to the Future” outcome, all thanks to a bin of hardware/screws, to help with the leverage/weight distribution.
One thing is for sure. Watching this video should help you to understand why it is sometimes difficult to find iPad or Tablet Viewers.

Oh – and this gentleman is a Brit, so listen carefully and realize that some words sound different to us Yanks (Americans) and that the money discussion may be different, depending on the country from whence you come.

A Couple of Concerns

One other thing to keep in mind is that even though the iPad (or other tablets) may have incredible graphics processing and sound processing, it may not be good enough for virtual reality (VR). You may end up with pixelated results or delays in sound and this will surely affect the enjoyment of your VR experience. So, before investing too much money, definitely keep that in mind. And, if/when possible do the “pet the puppy” routine, to give yourself an opportunity to try something before a huge investment.

Before we go, let’s learn a bit more about iPad VR, the hardware, the technology. Let’s go back to where it all started in 2014, with the Kickstarter campaign and the AirVR (http://getairvr.com/), as we know it today. See you there!

If you do not have the money to spend on the fancy VR viewers and gear that you may want, you can still participate. How? You can create your own!

Even if you decide to invest in more expensive VR gear in the future, you can have a little fun with creating your own gear in the interim.

Do-It-Yourself VR Videos (Both Entertaining and Educational)

Google Cardboard VR Headset Homemade / DIY Virtual Reality

This video demonstrates more of the usage of the Google Cardboard VR Headset rather than the creation of it. However, it is helpful if you have some confusion on the usage and need a refresher.

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DIY easy VR headset

This is another interesting take on the assembly of a VR headset and walks you through the actual process, complete with text shown on the video itself.

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How to make a VR headset for $0

This one might appear a bit complicated, but the presenter does a nice job of demonstrating and explaining each step.

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Make Your VR 3D Lenses and headset from a Bottle and Cups

This one is a very creative take on a VR headset. It may not be for everyone, but it may also be something that serves as an interesting craft project for the family.

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How to Make a GOOGLE CARDBOARD at Home | Virtual reality Headset | DIY

This is another really helpful video that walks you through the process. This one might be one of the better ones out there, even demonstrating the process of finding the 3D videos on which to test your viewer.

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Making a DIY Virtual Reality Headset!

This one is advertised as a joke. If you have found some of the other videos difficult to follow, this video will help you take a break and laugh a bit. Oh, and make sure you use the restroom before watching this one. Spoiler Alert: When was the last time you wore a Girl Scout Cookie box on your face?

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It makes sense that if you are going to enjoy your virtual reality (VR) experience, that you are able to view something, right? Unless there is some ability to “sense” what is happening (which may come, who knows!), you need to be able to see what is going on around you so that you can respond to your virtual environment.

Of course, in addition to the visual, you also have the kinesthetic (touching) and the aural (hearing).

As with many games, in general, there are so many different options when it comes to choosing the right setup for your VR Viewer. This can vary depending on your VR setup (equipment, gadgets, devices), but also varies according to preference and budget.

1. It helps if you start by defining what you have, already, in the area of virtual reality equipment and devices; and…
2. what your objectives are when it comes to your VR experience.

Take An Inventory

An example would be listing the brand names of the equipment you currently own and possibly even adding equipment that you desire to purchase, to that same list. For the second part of the exercise, identify what it is that you want to experience with your virtual reality. You might want to consult your friends on this one. In fact, you might want to visit your friends and see what they have, experience it, and determine what you like or don’t like about their setup. Don’t forget to read online reviews, too, to see what people say about different features.

Review the Online Reviews

When you do consult online reviews, don’t put so much value into what you are reading that it is contradictory. For example, if you read a review that gives only one star out of five, it is tempting to think that that VR viewer is a bad investment until you read further down and realize that the reviewer doesn’t like the color. Buyer beware, and that goes for the reviews, as well.

Some VR viewers accommodate multiple smartphone brands (i.e. iPhone; Android). Another fun viewer is Google Cardboard, versatile and inexpensive, too. An example of a viewer that has all of these features and has at least four stars (out of five) is the Starlight Pocket Virtual Reality VR Headset (affiliate). These viewers are advertised that they are durable and yet still lightweight enough to be comfortably portable.

Defining the VR Viewer

Maybe the type of VR viewer that you want is something that works with multiple platforms. For example, a viewer that works with any smartphone, as well as a 3D movie box. These types of viewers may have more capabilities than the $4 or $12 viewers. These may have more bells and whistles, but they also cost a little more. An example of this type of viewer is the 3D Movie VR Headset (affiliate).

These are just two examples of VR viewers, including some features on either end of the spectrum. There are also viewers that have other features in common. This will give you an idea and a place to start to see what else is available (especially when hanging out on Amazon’s site!).

Oh, before we go, do you want something even more exciting? Build your own Virtual Reality Viewer, a Do-It-Yourself version, as directed in this activity kit (affiliate).