Mastering the art of data: the skills that will get you noticed

It’s almost a decade since a much-shared Harvard Business Review article declared data scientist the sexiest job of the 21st century. But is working with data still as novel or as exciting as it was then?

The rise of digital currencies in the emerging world

As of September 7, 2021, El Salvador will officially recognise Bitcoin as legal currency. This is a remarkable move, and one that will likely stimulate a huge amount of economic growth as Salvadoreans leapfrog from a largely cash-based society straight to a system characterised by the frictionless, finger-snap efficiency of digital currency.

Trump’s plans to ban Chinese app WeChat blocked

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban WeChat over concerns the ban would threaten users’ first amendment rights

Oracle returns to growth

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Google resurrects Mattel’s View-Master

Google helps Mattel reinvent the View-Master, bringing the retro toy back up-to-date

Google is giving a new lease of life to the famous Mattel product View-Master with virtual reality technology

For the generations who grew up without digital technology, the news of this much-loved toy making a comeback brings a smile as it conjures up fond childhood-memories.

As with the Google Cardboard, affordability is a key emphasis in marketing the device

The new View-Master will be based on Google’s Cardboard technology, which simply uses a smartphone inserted into a headset in order to immerse the user into a world of virtual reality. In place of cardboard, the material used in Google’s product, Mattel brings its toy-making finesse to the partnership with a colourful, futuristic design.

Just like the original View-Master, which was launched in 1939, the device will allow users to explore famous destinations and landmarks across the globe. Images will be photospheres, thereby allowing a 360 degree viewing experience. Other gaming features are expected to be added as the product continues to be developed.

As with the Google Cardboard, affordability is a key emphasis in marketing the device. In addition, Mattel is promoting the updated View-Master as a tool for interactive learning, thereby opening up a range of possibilities in terms of educational functionality. The joint venture thus marks another attempt by Google to explore the education market, following Google Classroom, an aid for teachers, which was unveiled last year.

The new View-Master is due to be on sale later on this year for $30, with additional “experience reels” available at $15 each.