First launched in 1939, the View-Master slide viewer is such an iconic toy to the extent that those who had the chance to use it when they were young still have fond memories of viewing 3D-like sceneries from all over the world through the device. Despite being almost 75 years old though, the way that it operates still remained generally the same until today.
That about to change soon though as Mattel has recently revealed a new version of View-Master that acts as a virtual reality viewer. Made possible through a collaboration between Mattel and Google, the new View-Master is actually based on the Google Cardboard platform.
Instead of using photo slides, the 2015 View-Master is made for smartphones and combines virtual reality as well as augmented reality technologies to deliver immersive viewing experience to users. All one need to do is activate the View-Master app on his or her Android smartphone and then slide in the phone into the viewer.
From there, users can then point their view to the View-Master “experience reel” to activate the content as depicted in this concept video:
Scheduled to be available later this year, the standard package for the new View-Master combines together a viewer and a sample experience reel for USD 29.99 (RM 108). At the same time, additional experience reel packs can also be obtained separately for USD 14.99 (RM 54).
Well, it is indeed interesting to see how the classic 75-years old toy is being transformed into a modern VR apparatus. Then again, we do wonder though if the children of today will be able to appreciate and enjoy the new View-Master as much as many of us that enjoyed the original View-Master back in the days where things are much simpler.
[Source: View-Master]
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