Yes, View-Master is still around and selling products today! View-Master was first created in 1939 and sold as a reels-based 3D photo viewer. In recent decades, the company has gone through many changes, launching digital versions of the devices, partnering with major entertainment companies, and creating immersive virtual reality experiences.
Their current devices are mostly marketed as toys and use virtual reality technology to create immersive experiences. View-Master has partnered with popular entertainment companies to create experiences based on franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Hello Kitty.
The company also produces educational experiences to enrich learning in classrooms. View-Master currently sells a variety of devices, including a virtual reality starter pack, 3D photos, interactive packs, and digital devices.
What has replaced View-Master?
The View-Master has been a classic children’s toy for decades, but in recent years it has been replaced by a variety of other interactive and digital experiences. Smartphones have largely taken the place of the analog View-Master, as they contain high-resolution built-in cameras and access to app stores full of 3D content and virtual reality games.
3D printing has also become an increasingly popular alternative to the classic View-Master. For example, the EverydayExplorer YouTube channel created its own Virtual Reality viewer using a 3D printer and a special lens.
Additionally, Google Cardboard and similar devices provide affordable access to virtual reality content and experiences. These devices come pre-assembled and feature a combination of lenses, magnets, and velcro straps which make them easily adjustable, comfortable, and convenient to use.
Finally, some modern alternatives to View-Masters actually include the classic device in combination with Virtual Reality technology, such as the View-Master DLX, which is a modern version of the classic View-Master that uses a smartphone to access virtual reality content.
Why was View-Master discontinued?
View-Master was discontinued in 2019 due to the decline in sales despite their efforts to modernize the device. Unlike other collectibles, View-Master was a single use toy, and was made with disposable plastic reels.
Part of the appeal was the nostalgia associated with the classic View-Master design, but when faced with the challenge of competing with modern technology, the brand started to struggle.
The high costs of producing the reels were difficult to recoup given the low sell-through rate—especially when compared to the prices of smartphones and the interactive gaming experiences they offer.
According to one View-Master executive, the cost of entry to these new interactive technologies was quickly dropping—creating competition that the company and its collectible could not keep up with.
Ultimately, the View-Master brand was unable to adjust quickly enough to the changing market and consumer trends, resulting in the discontinuation of the product and the company’s closure in 2019.
How do I open View-Master?
Opening a View-Master is straightforward and easy. First, make sure you have the batteries inserted properly and that you have the correct reels inserted into the viewer. If you have the viewer itself and not in the package, you just need to press the button marked “open” on the back of the viewer, then carefully push forward the cover until it’s opened and you can see the reel slots.
Then, simply insert the correct reels into the slots and press the top button to start the View-Master experience. It is always a good idea to make sure you close the viewer after you have finished using it, to protect the reels and prolong the life of the viewer.
Is View-Master a VR?
No, View-Master is not a virtual reality (VR) device. View-Master is a stereoscopic device produced by Mattel, originally introduced in 1939. The device was created as a toy, and it allows users to look through small, circular discs or reels and view 3D images or dioramas.
It works by viewing two slightly different images, one on each side of the disc, and combining them together in one three-dimensional picture. View-Master is still produced today, but the reels that can be used with the device have changed over time.
While the virtual reality industry has grown exponentially since the 1990s, View-Master remains a traditional optical device that is not used for VR purposes.
Can you make your own View-Master reels?
Yes, absolutely! Making your own View-Master reels is a great way to customize your viewing experience. You’ll need to begin by obtaining the necessary supplies, such as a View-Master projector, film cartridges, film spools, and 3-D film slides.
After you have the materials, you’ll need to break down the film slides into individual frames. Once this step is complete, you can safely load the slides into the film cartridges, leaving room for four slides per cartridge.
Once the slides are in place, you’ll need to roll the film in the cartridges, insert it into the spools, and thread the spools into the View-Master projector. Finally, you’ll need to focus the projector and make the necessary adjustments to produce the 3-D images.
With a few simple steps, you can join the ranks of View-Master enthusiasts who have been creating customized reels for decades!.