Over 5 million Google Cardboard viewers have been shipped since Google launched the cheap virtual reality headset 19 months ago 

Starting at just over $20, Google Cardboard is an entry-level VR experience for an entry-level price, however, according to our recent GDC State of the Industry survey, developers still view it as one of the best VR platforms to create for, on a par with the Oculus-powered Gear VR. 

Google's latest stats make it easier to see why that's the case, with the company revealing there have been over 25 million installs of Cardboard apps from Google Play - a figure that becomes more impressive when you consider that there are currently just over 1000 Cardboard apps available on the Google Play store. 

Cardboard has also become a go-to media consumption device for many people, with Google reporting that users have watched over 350,000 hours of YouTube video and captured over 750,000 VR photographs using its biodegradable headset.