Mattel and Google Collaborate on New View-Master Toy

Mattel and Google have collaborated on a new version of the classic View-Master toy. The first View-Master was introduced in 1939 at the World's Fair in New York City. The updated toy - at the 2015 New York Toy Fair - uses Google's Cardboard platform and an Android app.

Mattel says the new View-Master lets users explore 360 degree "photospheres" of famous landmarks, famous places, nature, other planets and more.

Mike Jazayeri, Product Director for Google Cardboard, says in the announcement, "We developed Google Cardboard as an open platform to inspire companies like Mattel to rethink how to deliver new user experiences through technology. Many of us on the Google Cardboard team grew up playing with View-Master, so we were excited to collaborate with Mattel and to see the viewer evolve and work with Google Cardboard."

A smartphone is used for the new View-Master to function. It fits in the front of the viewer. The new View-Master will be available Fall 2015 for $29.95. It will come with a sample reel, gallery of classic View-Master images and a journey into space with the Space Shuttle. Additional experience packs will be sold for $14.99. Here is a promotional video about the new product. Take a look: