Cardboard

Google LLC · Cardboard is a virtual reality utility app that launches VR experiences on smartphones.

Native Android Libraries & Demo Google LLC
Bundle ID com.google.samples.apps.cardboarddemo
Version analyzed 4.0
Build framework Native Android
SDKs detected 1
Analyzed 2026-10-03
Exploratory agent run

What Cardboard does

This mobile application functions as a hardware integration and demonstration platform for Google Cardboard VR viewers. It facilitates the calibration of the mobile device's display parameters with the physical optics of a VR headset through QR code-based configuration. The utility manages viewer profiles, ensures the necessary software dependencies for VR rendering are present, and serves as a launcher for virtual reality demonstration content.

Observed on screen

  • Viewer Calibration and Pairing Utilizes a QR code detection system to synchronize the mobile application with specific VR viewer hardware specifications.
  • Profile Management Enables users to switch between different VR viewer configurations to ensure correct lens distortion and field-of-view settings.
  • Hardware Setup Guidance Provides instructional overlays to assist users in the physical placement and alignment of the smartphone within the VR chassis.
  • VR Demo Gateway Acts as a centralized interface for accessing and launching Cardboard-compatible virtual reality demonstrations.
  • Dependency Verification Monitors and reports the status of required system components, such as the QR code detector dependency, necessary for full functionality.

Written from a FlyTrap agent exploring the app on a real device, not from the store listing. It covers only the screens that run reached, so anything behind a login, paywall or region lock is absent.

Static + runtime analysis

SDKs detected

1 SDK found across 1 category. Click any SDK to see every other app that uses it.

All SDKs
Authentication 1 SDK
From manifest + Info.plist

Permissions requested 6 sensitive

12 permissions requested at runtime. Colors reflect platform sensitivity tier.

Camera sensitive

Take pictures and record video.

Read images sensitive

Read image files from shared storage.

Read videos sensitive

Read video files from shared storage.

Read storage sensitive

Read files from shared external storage. Replaced by READ_MEDIA_* on Android 13+.

Write storage sensitive

Write files to shared external storage. No-op for apps targeting Android 11+.

Approximate location sensitive

Access approximate location (network-based).

Vibrate standard

Control the vibrator.

Internet access standard

Open network sockets.

Wi-Fi state standard

Read Wi-Fi connection information.

Bluetooth (legacy) standard

Connect to paired Bluetooth devices on Android 11 and below.

Bluetooth admin (legacy) standard

Discover and pair Bluetooth devices on Android 11 and below.

Wake lock standard

Keep the device awake.

Frequently asked questions

What FlyTrap detected inside Cardboard.

What does Cardboard do?

This mobile application functions as a hardware integration and demonstration platform for Google Cardboard VR viewers. It facilitates the calibration of the mobile device's display parameters with the physical optics of a VR headset through QR code-based configuration. The utility manages viewer profiles, ensures the necessary software dependencies for VR rendering are present, and serves as a launcher for virtual reality demonstration content. This comes from a FlyTrap agent exploring the app on a real device, so it covers only the screens that run reached.

What is Cardboard built with?

Cardboard by Google LLC is built with Native Android. FlyTrap determined this by analyzing the app's compiled binary, not from anything the developer published.

What SDKs does Cardboard use?

FlyTrap detected 1 third-party SDK inside Cardboard, including Google Sign-In. They span areas such as Authentication. The full list, grouped by category, is on this page.

What permissions does Cardboard request?

Cardboard requests 12 permissions. 6 of these are sensitive, such as Camera, Read images and Read videos. Each is listed above with its platform sensitivity tier.

Is Cardboard safe to use?

FlyTrap reports what an app contains, it does not issue a safety verdict. Cardboard requests 12 permissions (6 sensitive) and bundles 1 third-party SDK. Reviewing those alongside the developer helps you decide what you are comfortable granting.

What platforms is Cardboard available on?

The version FlyTrap analyzed targets Android.