Google And Mattel Revive The View-Master With VR

In an attempt to fuse technology with nostalgia, Mattel and Google are partnering to revive the View-Master.

You remember it. The stereoscopic photo viewer is now using Google Cardboard Virtual Reality technology to bring the 85-year-old toy back to life.

The View-Master of yesteryear was a beautiful thing. By slipping in micro-reels from movies, far-off destinations, or from your very own life, users were able to see anything they wanted. The company says it has sold more than 1.5 billion reels for the View-Master over the years, and over 100 million View-Master units in total.

With the new version, just unveiled today at the World Toy Fair in NYC, Google and Mattel have fitted the View-Master to include a smartphone slot. Users can slip an Android phone into the plastic cover, and when paired with the View-Master companion app, choose from a host of viewing options.

This allows Mattel to bring an age-old toy into the digital world, offering a better quality experience and the opportunity to sell reels as in-app purchases through a smartphone.

Here’s what the official landing page for the View-Master has to say about the experience:

Move your head. Look around. Embark on immersive 360-degree journeys exploring and learning about the world through stunning visuals.

According to USA Today, the new Cardboard-powered View-Master won’t begin selling until the fall and will cost $29.99, with extra “experience reels” selling for $14.99 for a pack of three.

Developing…

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