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Verizon Offers 'Star Wars'-Themed Google Cardboard

 & Stephanie Mlot Contributor

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It's one thing to show your Star Wars love by dressing up as Chewbacca on any day that's not Oct. 31, or wearing your favorite "Han Shot First" T-shirt on a first date.

But Verizon has a new accessory: a Star Wars: The Force Awakens Google Cardboard viewer.

Customers can visit select Verizon stores today to get a free Cardboard (while supplies last) in one of four designs: BB-8, R2-D2, Kylo Ren, or Stormtrooper.

And while the mobile carrier promised a limited-edition device "on us," PocketNow reported some users were told by shop employees that they needed to buy a new smartphone or tablet to get a Star Wars viewer. Some locations, the tech blog said, also appear to have given away their stock during last week's Black Friday sales.

The heavily branded units come with Verizon logos on both sides, so you might want to break out the white crayons if you don't want to be a walking advertisement. Unfortunately, the accessory appears to be a Verizon exclusive; no other U.S. provider is offering them.

You can always color your original Google Cardboard to look like R2-D2, instead.

It's no secret that Googlers are massive fans of the Lucasfilm series. Last week, the Web giant lets users join the light or dark side via app skins, which transform Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and Chrome to reflect your allegiance.

Ahead of the film's debut on Dec. 18, Google also teased "the Millennium Falcon in all its (virtual reality) glory"—perfect for viewing with your new themed Cardboard.

"And we've hidden a few more Easter eggs, too," the company said last week. "So awaken the Force within, and be on the lookout for things from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…"

One such hidden treat surfaced recently, when Google users searched for that famous phrase, which turns the browser window into a galactic theme with search results scrolling into space—just like the opening of Star Wars.

About Our Expert

Stephanie Mlot

Stephanie Mlot

Contributor

My Experience

  • B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
  • Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)
  • Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)

My Areas of Expertise

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  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • MacBook Air (hooked up to a 23-inch Dell monitor)
  • Google Chrome
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  • Soundcore Life P3 earbuds
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