Android users can view Google Street View in virtual reality

Google Maps is a fantastically useful tool for directions, but Google Street View is invaluable for actually visualising an area to avoid getting lost. Now virtual reality is there to simulate it in a way that’s more immersive than ever before.

A new easter egg in the Android version of the app lets users activate the virtual reality mode, meaning users who have one of Google’s Cardboard virtual reality headsets can slap it on and tour the world without leaving the house.

All you have to do is go to the Google Maps app on an Android device, head into Street View, and double tap the lower right navigation circle in the app. Hey presto, you’ve got a VR compatible display.

So how can you take full advantage of this amazing new feature? Well you’ll need to get your hands on a headset. You have a choice between buying one, or downloading Google’s instructions and making your own. Once that’s done you should have no problems exploring Street View’s virtual reality mode.

I can’t wait to see what my home street looks like in virtual reality!