Who knew that by now we would have a new Rubik’s cube. The classic puzzle toy returns under the name Rubik’s WOWCube and hand in hand with the company cubeswhich last year reached an agreement with Spin Masterthe company that owns the brand, to use it in this new product that is loaded with technology and notable differences.
Unlike the original cube, which has six faces with a grid of 3×3he Rubik’s WOWCubeavailable for reservation from today according to The Verge, has six sides with grids of 2×2. And instead of colored stickers, each of the toy’s 24 frames is a 240×240 pixel IPS screen.
The cube is made up of eight ‘cubic modules’as Cubios calls them. Each module includes three of those IPS screens and its own processor. As explained on the Cubios support page, ‘our patented magnetic connectors allow the modules to maintain perfect electrical contact and continuous data flow between them, no matter how the cube is turned. This ensures that the autonomous modules can exchange data in real time, sharing information and distributing low voltage power through the WOWCube’.
Each of the 24 screens can be configured to display a solid color to solve a problem. Traditional Rubik’s puzzle, but simpler. Alternatively, the screens can be rotated to play dozens of video games, such as Block Buster, Space Invaders either Jewel Hunterbut with gameplay adapted to the device.
In a racing game, for example, a car is guided to the finish line lining up pieces of the track scattered on the different screens. In addition to being able to rotate the 24 screens, the WOWCube has sensors that allow you to play by tilting the entire cube, shaking it or touching it.
The toy includes gyroscope, six-axis accelerometer and eight speakers. Cubios claims that the built-in battery can last up to seven hours before needing a recharge.
To add games or other applications to WOWCube, you need to download the app WOW Cube Connect for iOS either Androidpair the cube with the mobile using Bluetooth and use the app to download the games directly to the device.
Currently, the WOWCube online store offers 47 gamessome paid. Outside of games, Rubik’s WOWCube has nine applications, including a stopwatch or that allow you to convert the toy in a bubble lava lamp or aquarium. Cubios also presents it as a device that helps improve aspects of health such as memory, mental agility and coordination. The cube runs its own operating system, CubiOSand the company offers a free development kit.
The original toy was created ago 51 years by Hungarian architecture professor Ernő Rubik. His idea was to build a structure composed of eight mobile cubes that would not come apart when manipulated and ended up creating an icon of the 80s and a classic for puzzle fans to this day. They may not appreciate this new version too much, if perhaps because of its lower complexity as a puzzle, but those who value the new features it incorporates can reserve it on the Rubik’s WOWCube website for $299. They ship to Spain with costs of about 56 dollars approximately and will be available before Christmas.