The stereoscope was one the first 3D viewing devices. Its a low-tech device that basically places an opaque occluder between your eyes, forcing a separation between what your left and right eye can see. A stereo pair placed correctly on either side of the occluder gives the viewer an impression of depth.
Hasbro has created a very interesting update to the stereoscope for the 21st century. A binoculars-like device pretty much plays the role of an occluder. At the end of the "binoculars", an iPhone or smartphone is attached. A Hasbro app formats 3D content appropriately, so that each eye sees only the correct image through the "binocular" tubes.
This was one of those "why didn't I think of that!" moments for me. Very cool stuff from Hasbro. However, one can't help but think the way forward for mobile 3D devices is more of the autostereoscopic optics from the likes of Nintendo, with its 3DS. The Hasbro device is useful for people who already have an iPhone or similar device and who don't mind the device form factor.
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