Retro fans get ready, Mattel’s Cardboard compatible headset the View-Master is launching today at retailers in Australia just in time for Christmas.
The headset will hit retailers Target, Big W, Kmart and Toys R Us outlets from today for $49.99 for the basic headset, which includes a demo reel; with additional reels containing experience packs full of 360° environments are available for $18.99 each. There’s three experience packs available: Space, Wildlife and Destinations, which you can actually grab from Google Play, though you’ll pay $21.02 to purchase the pack through In-App Purchase.
Of the three experiences, the Destinations pack has so far been the winner, at least in our house but the Wildlife and Space experiences come a close second.
Chedney Rodgers, Marketing Director at Mattel, believes this is an exciting addition to Australia just in time for Christmas.
We’re so excited at Mattel to be able to infuse technology and innovation, with this classic toy, into fun and play by developing an immersive digital experience for kids. A portal for children to explore the world and beyond, View-Master provides such an unrivalled way to learn and have fun. It’s a great honour to be able to bring the iconic View-Master to the digital age here in Australia.
The newly revamped View-Master is Cardboard compatible, so of course you’ll need your smartphone to use it. The unit is quite a good looking and sturdily built. It’s very reminiscent of the old View-Master with the shutter button there to help select in-app prompts as you look around to either get more information or progress to a new area.
The unit is built for iOS as well as Android devices with a simple spring loaded mechanism built-in, though iPhone users will have to use the provided adapter.
View-Master is a universally easy product to use, my son has certainly picked up the headset and was having a great time. The addition of a wrist strap to the side of the unit makes for a very child friendly safety mechanism for a device that uses a mobile phone for a screen.
The official launch date is today, but as usual, stock may take some time to reach stores in various locations. If you’re after a View-Master headset head in to your local Target, Big W, Kmart or Toys R Us to check it out.
It’s available at Target for $39 just picked one up for the kids
Update:
Called Toys R Us: View Master in stores now. Online to buy from tomorrow.
Called Big W: Arrives in stores next weekend (4th Dec).
Called Kmart: Arrives in stores w/c 7th Dec.
Is there any cofirmation this? Still no availability in Melbourne cbd stores.
I got onto Mattel website last night and got linked to Amazon.
They also have the disks available.
I was able to find everything for about $50. – Albeit, one of the disks wasn’t able to be shipped to Australia.
However, It might still suit my purpose as a xmas present.
Target tweeted me they don’t have it available until early January.
If this starts supporting YouTube 360 degree video, that would be amazing! Xmas present for my nephew = sorted.
It doesn’t?
I wish it had a headstrap
To be honest, i don’t know if it does or not.
But if it does, i’ll be the coolest uncle.
I’ve got a review unit at home, will double check tonight. Was more playing with the View-Master reels up till now.
Thanks Daniel.
How old is the kid in the pic?
My nephew is turning 4 and is pretty savvy when it comes to tablets. I saw a video claiming that it’s designed for 7 yo+
He’s 4.5, loves all the gadgets, tablets, phones, games consoles etc. They’re all pretty cluey these days
Awesome! I just had a quick look online and couldn’t find anything. I might go for a drive after work and check out K-Mart.
Thanks for the feedback.
Now to find a cheap-ish phone to go in it. lol
Let me know if they do have it there.
aaah
Absolutely
Confirmed – works with YouTube 360 degree videos. Works like a Cardboard Viewer – a high quality one. Fits the Nexus 6P inside too, not sure how much bigger the phones could go though, might try Nexus 6/Note Edge+ tonight