2014 – Google Cardboard

While Facebook invested $2 billion to bring Rift to the market, Google took a different approach. Google Cardboard is an HMD kit that contains two 40 mm focal distance lenses and a sheet of pre-folded die-cut cardboard. Rubber bands and Velcro strips are used to keep the device closed and support the user's mobile device. With a low price point, around $9.00, and simple design, VR finally made it into the hands of millions of users.

Since its initial release, knock-off brands have kept the price low and Google has developed educational materials for K-8 students across the U.S.