Google And Mattel Team Up For The Revamped View-Master Toy Using Google's Cardboard Technology [WATCH VIDEO]

An Android Smartphone Displays Google Website — An Android smartphone displays the Google website in this picture illustration in Seoul September 7, 2011. Reuters/Truth Leem

Google and Mattel, Inc. have teamed up to revamp the View-Master toy. It will use Google’s Cardboard technology. The View-Master was a popular stereoscope toy that was first introduced in 1939. It uses reels that are made of cardboard disks with stereoscopic 3-D photographs on it.

Mattel, Inc. reports that the new View-Master with Google Cardboard was unveiled during the Toy Industry Association's Toy Fair in New York on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. The new View-Master toy will enable users to discover nature, space, planets and famous places through 360 degree “photospheres.”

Doug Wadleigh, Toy Box at Mattel Global Brand General Manager and SVP explained the benefits of combining Google Cardboard’s technology with the classic View-Master experience.

"By working with Google's Cardboard platform, we are now able to take that experience even further bringing the discovery and immersive viewing experience of the View-Master to the digital age. Combining technology and innovation with this classic toy gives kids an enhanced experience allowing for play opportunities not yet imagined through new, digitally curated content," Wadleigh said in the Mattel, Inc. report.

Mike Jazayeri, Product Director for Google Cardboard also said that a lot of the members of their team are familiar with the View-Master because they grew up playing with it as kids. That’s why they are thrilled to team up with Mattel and improve the toy using digital technology.

The new View-Master with Google Cardboard has an app that is compatible with Android smartphones. It will give users a 3-D view of certain places, such as famous landmarks including Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California.

Mattel’s revamped stereoscope toy which is similar to Virtual Reality, or VR, will be available during the latter part of 2015, around the fall season. Its suggested retail price, or SRP is $29.99. Extra experience reel packs will also be sold separately for SRP $14.99. View-Master’s reel packs will have different themes including science, nature and adventure destinations. Click here to visit the official View-Master website to learn more about it. Click here to visit the Google Cardboard website.

Let us know your thoughts on Google and Mattel’s collaboration for the revamped View-Master toy. For questions or comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at j.somosot@ibtimes.com.au.