A gimmick? Cardboard could be Google's ploy to launch Android as a platform for virtual-reality apps.
As usual, Google handed out an array of freebies to attendees of its I/O conference, hoping to entice developers to build applications for its devices. Among them: a square smatchwatch--their choice of the LG G Watch or Samsung Gear Live, the round Moto 360 watch, and a piece of cardboard.