Editing View-Master (section)

===2015–2019: Virtual reality===
[[File:Viewmaster VR set.jpg|thumb|View-Master VR set]]

In February 2015, Mattel announced a collaboration with [[Google]] to produce a new version of the View-Master called the View-Master Virtual Reality Viewer, based on [[virtual reality]] using [[smartphone]]s. The new View-Master is an implementation of the [[Google Cardboard]] VR platform and is accompanied by a [[mobile app]] built using its [[Software development kit|SDK]]. Content is displayed on a smartphone screen; the phone itself is inserted into the back of the unit. Instead of being inserted directly into the View-Master, reels are scanned using an [[augmented reality]] interface that enables access to content from the reel, such as 360-degree panoramas, 3D models and minigames.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2015/02/13/view-master--of-old-uses-google-cardboard-vr/23297205/ | newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=May 30, 2015 |date=February 13, 2015 | last=Baig |first=Edward C. | title=View-Master rides Google Cardboard into virtual reality }}</ref><ref name=verge-vrviewmaster>{{cite web|title=The VR View-Master is Google Cardboard for kids|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/9/9480941/mattel-view-master-vr-headset-hands-on|website=The Verge|date=October 9, 2015|access-date=10 October 2015}}</ref>

''Greenbot'' considered the View-Master to be the best low-cost Cardboard viewer, citing its build quality and comfort over models actually constructed from cardboard, but noting that the latch mechanism for securing the phone inside was not tight enough, and that there was no headphone-jack access. It was felt that the View-Master VR was "the kind of thing you might grab as a gift for the kids, but if you're curious about VR on your phone, chances are you'll use it as much as they do."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.greenbot.com/article/2995583/android/the-best-cheap-cardboard-vr-viewer-is-mattels-view-master.html |title=The best cheap Cardboard VR viewer is… Mattel's View-Master?|last=Hayward |first=Andrew |date=2015-11-05 |website=Greenbot |language=en |access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref>

In 2016, an updated iteration known as the DLX was released; it features improvements to its compatibility with smaller phones, a more secure latch for the phone compartment, and also adds focal adjustment and a headphone port.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/15/10994658/mattel-vr-view-master-dlx-upgrade |title=Mattel's upgraded View-Master VR headset now comes with extra dinosaurs |last=Vincent |first=James |date=2016-02-15 |website=The Verge |access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref>

Both editions of the View-Master VR were discontinued in November 2019, and the Experience packs can no longer be installed by new users.<ref>{{Cite web|title=View-Master™ VR Starter Pack & Deluxe VR Viewer|url=https://www.mattel.com/en-us/view-master|access-date=2020-07-17|website=www.mattel.com}}</ref>

In 2019, Mattel partnered with [[MGM]] to announce an upcoming [[feature film]] based on the View-Master. The project will be co-piloted by [[Robbie Brenner]] of Mattel's Films division and MGM's Cassidy Lange.<ref>{{cite web |title=View-Master Movie In the Works at MGM and Mattel Films (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/view-master-movie-works-at-mgm-mattel-films-1191033 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Kit|first=Boris|date=2019-02-27 |language=en|access-date=25 March 2019}}</ref>