article_snippet: First Google and Mattel have re-designed the View-Master toy, which will rely on a smartphone to deliver visual trickery.
article_snippet: 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’.
article_snippet: The plastic body of The virtual reality device has been given a sleek and less angular look than previous models, but still includes a slot for film reels.
article_snippet: To release the phone’s VR features, an Android phone running Mattel’s app is needed.
article_snippet: an Android phone running Mattel’s app needs to be inserted into The virtual reality device along with a reel, meaning parents will have to surrender parents handsets.
article_snippet: The gadget uses augmented reality and animations to make  scenes feel immersive.
article_snippet: Mattel said Mattel View-Master is an affordable platform enabling children to take ‘engaging field trips’ so children can explore famous landmarks, natural scenes and planets, for example, in ‘photospheres’.
article_snippet: By pairing an ‘experience reel’ with a smartphone, children ‘will immediately experience an imaginative and interactive learning environment,’ according to Mattel.
article_snippet: The virtual reality device is set to be released in autumn in the US and next year in the UK for $30 (£20), with reels sold for $15 (£10).
article_snippet: ‘Virtual Space Camps’ will be offered to teach children the basics of coding and teachers will be invited to ‘Open House’ events, to keep up to speed on the free educational tools.
article_snippet: the re-imagined View-Master toy with Mattel works with a smartphone and dedicated app and will go on sale in the US later this year.