The new View-Master is a kid-friendly, Google Cardboard-compatible VR headset

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BY Unknown 02:45 0

The new View-Master is a kid-friendly, Google Cardboard-compatible VR headset

One of the earliest virtual reality headsets – the View-Master – is getting a 21st century makeover. Mattel has partnered with Google to create the new View-Master, which is based on Google Cardboard and will offer a kid-friendly, immersive experiences.

The new product comes with a modernized version the fairly recognizable shape and has even kept reels.

Unlike the originals, which were cardboard disks with photographic film, these “reels” will be entry points for a digital experience based on Street View type photography of recognizable locations. These are similar to the AR Cards for the Nintendo 3DS, for example.

Anyway, the new View-Master will cost $30 when it comes out in the fall and a pack of three reels will go for $15. The software and the reels will be compatible with Google Cardboard and Cardboard apps will work with the View-Master.

Other companies have jumped on the phone-based VR headset too – LG recently launched one for the LG G3, Samsung has the Gear VR for the Galaxy Note 4 and even famed lens-maker Carl Zeiss launched a headset.

LG G3 buyers will get a free VR headset based on Google’s Cardboard project

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BY Unknown 02:40 0

LG G3 buyers will get a free VR headset based on Google’s Cardboard project

LG has teamed up with Google to offer future buyers of the G3 a free VR headset. This is based on Google’s Cardboard contraption unveiled last year at the search giant’s developer conference. However, LG has tweaked things a bit.

First off, this iteration seems to be made out of plastic, and not actual cardboard. Next up, it features cutouts for the G3′s rear-facing power and volume buttons, as well as its 1W speaker.

Otherwise, it looks pretty much like a plastic version of Google Cardboard. And like that, it has no batteries and no processing power of its own, relying solely on the phone’s visuals and innards. The VR for G3 has a neodymium ring magnet on its side, which works with the magnetic gyroscope inside the smartphone to select apps and scroll through menus without ever touching the screen. And all you need to do to use the VR for G3 is put the handset in.

Unfortunately LG has not yet detailed which markets will get the offer, but the company assures us that it will start happening this month, so hopefully more information is coming soon. We do know that LG will throw in a free VR game too, called Robobliteration.