The View-Master is back! Google launches £20 virtual reality device for kids that works with a smartphone

• Toy is a collaboration between Mattel and Google and will cost $30 (£20)
• Virtual reality device uses Google Cardboard technology for 3D scenes
• Device will work with an Android smartphone and dedicated app
• Reels must still be purchased separately, called '360 degree photospheres' 

The popular View-Master toy, beloved of children from the 1960s onwards, has got a modern makeover.

Toy manufacturer Mattel has worked with Google on the new toy, which will rely on a smartphone to deliver its optical trickery.

The virtual reality device makes use of Google’s Cardboard to deliver immersive scenes such as Alcatraz prison in San Francisco, called ‘360 degree photospheres’.

View-Master gets a make-over! Toy manufacturer Mattel has worked with Google to the new toy, which will rely on a smartphone to deliver its optical trickery. An illustration of the new device is shown

The plastic body of the device has been given a sleek and less angular look than previous models, but still includes a slot for film reels.

To release the phone’s virtual reality features, an Android smartphone running Mattel’s app is needed.

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The smartphone needs to be inserted into the device along with a reel,meaning that parents will have to surrender their handsets while children play.

The gadget uses augmented reality and animations to make the scenes feel immersive.

Mattel says that its View-Master is an affordable platform enabling children to take ‘engaging field trips’ so they can explore famous landmarks, natural scenes and planets, for example, in ‘photospheres’.

By pairing an ‘experience reel’ with a smartphone, children ‘will immediately experience an imaginative and interactive learning environment,’ according to Mattel.

THE NEW VIEW-FINDER EXPERIENCE 

According to the View-Master description of the experience on its new website, users of the device will feel like they are inside the scene.

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

'Take a virtual field trip to Paris and sit in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower as it soars above you. Visit historic Alcatraz Island and interact with your surroundings to discover fun facts.

'Travel through time and space in ways you never thought possible. Watch as the solar system comes to life on your kitchen table or share with a friend to view the constellations overhead.'

Originally conceived in 1938, the View-Master, a handheld device showing 3D slides, was originally aimed at adults, but became a popular toy in the 1960s (an old version of the toy is shown)

Children of the 1960s and onwards have marvelled at slides showing everything from 3D scenes of the world (two examples are shown) to cartoon characters though their View-Master toy. New version of the disk to be used in the new device will cost $15 (£10) for a themed pack of four

THE HISTORY OF THE VIEW-MASTER 

In 1938, cameraman William Gruber produced 3-D colour slides for stereoscopes - which were popular in 19th century homes – using two cameras strapped together.

An encounter with Harold Graves, president of Sawyer's Photographic Services in the Oregon Caves National Monument led to a partnership a year later.

They came up with the View-Master – a new way of viewing tourist attractions in America – which was sold to adults in camera shops.

It was only in the 1960s that the View-Master became a toy, and afterwards, cheap reels were produced showing scenes across the world, Disneyland and cartoon characters in ‘3D’.

Today, the toy is produced by Fisher Price - part of the Mattel group.

‘The View-Master was first introduced at the 1939 World's Fair in New York, giving consumers access to spectacular 3D worlds by simply selecting a reel and looking through a device,’ said Doug Wadleigh, SVP and global brand general manager, Toy Box at Mattel.

‘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.’

The device itself is set to be released in autumn for $30 (£20), with reels sold in themed packs of four for $15 (£10).

Mattel told MailOnline the toy will come to the UK early next year. 

A sample reel that will come with the toy will include a gallery of classic View-Master images, such as a journey into space with a tour inside a space shuttle.

Star Wars packs may be in the pipeline, because Mattel senior vice president Doug Wadleigh told USA Today: ‘We're creatively trying to figure out ways to use the old imagery in ways that enhance the new experience.’ 

Mattel will also work with Google Cardboard developers to create new content. 

Iconic ViewMaster toy gets a 21st Century makeover

Last week, Google and toy maker Mattel sent out a retro-themed invite that hinted the toy might be getting a hi-tech makeover. Many commentators correctly guessed that Google's Cardboard would be the basis for the new View-Master