Google Cardboard & Elite Dangerous

It is possible to view Elite Dangerous using Google Cardboard. Currently (as of early August 2014), head tracking does not work, but 3D does.

You will need a decent modern Android phone for this to work - we don't know about iOS devices; we suspect that they wont work. So far the only device we've tested is the Nexus 5 but anything fairly modern should be good enough.

1. Install Google Chrome if you have not already done so
2. Install Google Chrome Remote Desktop on your gaming computer.
3. Install Chrome Remote Desktop app on your android phone.
4. Start a new Chrome Remote Desktop session from your phone and connect to your gaming computer (you should see the desktop)
5. Put your phone into Cardboard, but dont put it on yet.
6. Start Elite Dangerous and go to the graphics options:
   1. Turn full screen off if it is on (full screen will not work with remote desktop)
   2. Pick a resolution that is appropriate for your desktop
   3. Under “3D (Experimental)” select “Side by side”.
   4. Your screen will now have two semi-unreadable images - it is time to put on cardboard!
   5. Adjust the 3D separation to your tastes - up to just under the “B” of side by side seems to be good.
7. Play Elite Dangerous in 3D via Cardboard!

Make sure the window is as central as possible on your desktop to get the best effect.

Google Chrome Remote Desktop from computer to phone is very low latency (even over wifi - pretty much indistinguishable from a normal screen on our network) and is very playable given Elite Dangerous's “smooth” gameplay. It is also very easy to set up and initiate a session (1 tap and you're running).

If you find the latency is not fast enough due to poor wifi, there might be apps on the play store that allow a direct USB sharing which may offer better latency.

1. No head tracking yet.
2. Aspect ratio at different ship angles is weird.
3. Resolution of remote desktop can be low on phone.