It’s starting to look like companies are going to ride the 3D wave whether consumers decide to join in or not. Toy company Hasbro is updating its classic ViewFinder to pair with iPhones and iPod touches for 3D gaming and viewing. Apple, Dreamworks, the Discovery Network, Sony, and IMAX are developing content for the new toy, dubbed the My3D.
We’re not quite sold on the product yet. While it’s really cool that one of the simplest childhood toys is making a reappearance, the fact that its’ target demographic appears to be kids and iPhone users is confusing. If it were looking into the pockets of teens and adults who wanted 3D content on their Apple products, then its child-like, binocular modeling seems out of place. It’s even bigger and bulkier than standard 3D glasses, which is the primary issue consumers have with 3D programming. Is there some sort of technology in the binoculars glasses can’t provide, or is it just for the sake of being retro? The binoculars allow an iPhone or iPod touch to slide into it while you hold them and view the 3D content, which means you can’t interact with the screen, only watch it. And to stop, pause, rewind, or do anything, you have to take it off, obviously.
However, the promise of eventually using the technology for gaming seems more promising – except that initial looks at the My3D binoculars eliminates hands free use of any kind. Assuming this is updated for that exact purpose, it could find a niche of Apple gamers. Don’t get too excited though, as its first run seems focused on viewing-only content.
At only $30 for the My3D binoculars and a bevy of free and inexpensive apps to accompany it (from top of the line developers no less), it could possibly be a gamble that pays off. We’ll have to wait until spring 2011 to find out.
Alright, we get it, bloggers aren't easily impressed. Stop rubbing our noses in it!
That is one specific technology I never saw coming back. Props to them.
As a teacher, I find that companies more and more want to shove technology down the throats of children starting while in the womb! A child that enjoys the view finder is not age appropriate for a cellphone. We shouldn't rely so heavily on technology in some areas. Let the kids be kids. Tech. is frustrating and rarely works right. You wanna make a world of difference in a child? Give them an empty box and an old spoon to dig with. Their imagination is endless.
Am I crazy here or was the Hasbro toy called the "ViewMASTER" not "ViewFINDER"?
You're not crazy – you're right! Thanks for the catch!
Sadly, I remember the Viewfinder as a toy, not from the 1980s, but from the 1960s. Does anyone sell hemlock these days?