​Seven apps that make Cardboard the coolest tech in Google world

Sure, it's not as immediately useful as Google Maps, and you won't find yourself checking it as often as Search -but it's virtual reality! Using your smartphone! With just a piece of cardboard and a compatible smartphone, anyone can dive into an array of virtual worlds. From exploring Street View like never before to taking three-dimensional photographs, from immersive VR journalism to exploring our solar system -here are some of the coolest apps available for Google Cardboard today

-Google Earth

Google Earth is accessible via the default Google Cardboard app, which includes other demos. It's one of the most exciting showcase of the possibilities of VR. Sure, the textures are low-res, and the 3D models of cities it generates (while cool) are somewhat blocky. But it lets you fly anywhere in the world in VR 3D, using only your smartphone and a bit of cardboard.

-Google Street View

Google Street View is exciting for much the same reason Google Earth is. At a stroke, Google has transformed its entire catalogue of the world's cities, previously a neat feature primarily used for navigating, into an interactive, explorable, VR playground.

Ever wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower? Now you can. Want to stroll down Fifth Avenue gazing up at the Empire State Building? Not a problem. How about just exploring the beautiful Norwegian coastline because you can? The world is your oyster. Just load your desired destination in the app, and hit the Cardboard icon in the corner.

-Vrse

Vrse offers you the very best in VR videos and content. It curates VR material from music videos, short films, and The New York Times' VR news reports.

-VR Roller Coaster attraction

Roller coaster apps are one of the best ways to get used to Cardboard. The unimaginatively named 'VR Roller Coaster attraction' takes the user through an interesting jungle setting. It has one downside, however; while it is free to download, you can only use it a set number of times before it makes you pay.

-Caaaaardboard!

Caaaaardboard! is a game for Cardboard that has you jumping off buildings, performing stunts, and collecting points. It costs $1.99, or £1.29 in the UK.

-Seene

Seene is a photo-sharing social network with a twist: Users' images are three-dimensional.Launched in 2013, it pre-dates Google Cardboard, and doesn't require it to run. But if you have the headset, it offers you a whole new way to experience photos on the platform. It's also totally free.

-Crazy Swing VR

If you're after a slightly more involved roller coaster sim, check out Crazy Swing VR. It puts the user in on a fairground ride in the middle of a city and produces the most convincing sensations of depth and motion than any other Cardboard apps .It's made by the same people as VR Roller Coaster attraction, and like it -annoyingly -you can only use it a certain number of times free.