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03/28/2024 06:31:06 am

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Google Partners with Mattel for Kids VR Headset

mattel-view-master

(Photo : Mattel) Google has partnered with Mattel to create a virtual reality headset for kids.

Google's Cardboard VR might have been a party joke when announced at I/O last year, but kids toy company Mattel has utilized the easy setup to build its own 'View-Master' VR headset.

Using a cardboard interior with plastic exterior, the View-Master has a similar look to the Samsung Gear VR, albeit with brighter colors.

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Kids will be able to slot in a disc that will connect with the smartphone (smartphone not included) and play a scene from San Francisco, the solar system, the Dinosaur era and a few other places.

The different scenes have a few places to view. In San Francisco, for example, the person can move from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge to the beach.

Mattel has designed some areas with real-life images. Obviously, the solar system and the Dinosaur era have a bit of CGI to make it possible.

It's part of a new push by Mattel to incorporate more mobiles into products since children get their first smartphone at a much younger age.

Google has made the Cardboard VR available at such a low price Mattel is able to use the same design and sell the device for $29.99. Of course, the user will need to own a smartphone and download the Mattel app.

Even though Cardboard VR isn't Google's final step into the virtual reality market, it seems to be bringing interest for easy-to-build and cheap VR projects with a required smartphone accessory.

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