The latest feature of Google Cardboard will allow you to turn your ordinary Android smartphone into a virtually reality camera. The launch of the Cardboard Camera app gives you the opportunity to relive the sights and sounds of your favorite moments, but rather than a static photo, you get to enjoy it in virtual reality.

Getting started with your virtual reality experience is simple. Download the Cardboard Camera app and then simply hold your phone straight out in front of you, hit the record button and slowly turn around, getting a full 360 degree view of your experience. In addition, the recording will capture any sound during the recording, making for a more realistic experience when you view the 3D version later.

When you want to re-experience your moment at a later stage, simply tap the specific photo, press the Cardboard button and pop your smartphone into your Google Cardboard headset. It is at this stage that you will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of your 360-degree panoramic in a unique 3D experience.

The virtual reality experience captures depth and distance, allowing objects that are near to you to appear closer while far away objects appear at a greater distance away.

via Google

The only problem with these cool 3D experiences is that you cannot share them. If you want your friends to see and hear what you have been up to, they would have to take your phone and view the 3D panoramic in a Cardboard headset. However, Google could be solving this small disadvantage shortly. Google product manager Mike Podwal told VentureBeat that the company is working on a great sharing feature, due to be out very soon.

If you already own a Google Cardboard headset, you can download the free Cardboard Camera app on the Play Store. Currently, the app only supports Cardboard headsets.

If you do not own one yet, you can follow our instructions on how to build your own Google Cardboard or check out the Cardboard website for a range of the most popular headsets available to purchase, but remember the new app will only work with Cardboard headsets.

Image credit: Maurizio Pesce; Flickr