This smart Rubik's Cube is better than expected
9.1.2020
Translation: machine translated
I often ask myself why everything has been made "smart" in recent years? With this Rubik's Cube, however, it makes sense in my eyes. Why? It teaches me something.
Rubik's Cube and I have a history together. Our relationship status is "complicated". I have already dared to use the Rubik's Cube several times. Which you can read here. For a short time, I was able to solve it myself without instructions. However, I have since forgotten the algorithms again. The Supercube from Giiker was just what I needed. A Rubik's Cube with a brain and Bluetooth. Perhaps technology can bring new momentum to our relationship.
The device is equipped with motion sensors that display an identical cube on your smartphone in real time. Thanks to Bluetooth. In the app, which is available for Android and iOS, you can then fight your way through tutorials, games and battles.
Smooth haptics
The first thing I notice positively about the Subercube: It feels damn good. Compared to my conventional Rubik's Cube, the levels are smoother to turn. This is because the Supercube has magnetic bearings. These allow the levels to "snap into place" after every quarter turn. The only disadvantage is that you can hear the acoustic feedback from the magnets. In my opinion, however, this is hardly more annoying than the creaking of a normal Rubik's cube. In addition, the turns are easier to make and therefore require less effort.
With Bluetooth to the smartphone
A good year ago, I was able to handle a demo model of the Supercube at the toy fair in Nuremberg. However, the app was anything but stable back then. That's why I had the most reservations about the software. The very first connection via Bluetooth was bumpy, as the app kept on acting up. However, this was fixed with the latest software update. Otherwise, my relationship with the Rubik's Cube would have been broken for good.
Tutorial
The app's tutorial is particularly interesting for beginners. Step by step, you will learn the individual sequences you need to know to solve the Rubik's cube. As the cube is equipped with sensors, the app shows you each individual move in line with your physical Supercube. This visual aid is enormously helpful for non-experts who are trying their hand at a Rubik's Cube for the first time.
Play
After you have completed the tutorial and want to deepen your skills, it's time for the game function. You can choose between four different game modes, which will familiarise you with how the cube works. Unfortunately, I can't say much about this as I'm still stuck in the tutorial. :) I tried it out, but didn't get very far. They are certainly a welcome change.
Battle
In battle, it's all about the duel. An online multiplayer mode in which you can take on the rest of the world. You start with an already solved cube. A sequence of moves then appears on your screen, with which you and your opponent move to the same starting position. Now you have 10 seconds to take a close look at the pattern before the battle begins. The first person to solve the Rubik's Cube wins. This mode is great fun. I've never won, but the competitive idea behind it makes me want to get better and faster.
Solving, patterns and time races
There are three more functions on the app's home screen. Solve, pattern and time race. If you click on the rocket symbol, you will land in "Solve" mode. Here, the app recognises the current position of your Rubik's cube and shows you the quickest way to the solved cube. In "Pattern" you can spin a number of colour combinations. Here too, the app gives you simple step-by-step instructions. The last and perhaps most interesting feature for some of you is solving against the clock. The stopwatch starts as soon as you make your first move and stops automatically when you have successfully solved the Rubik's Cube. Thanks to the leaderboard, you can immediately see how you are improving over time and whether you have beaten your personal record.
Better than expected
I have to admit that I'm quite taken with the Supercube. Haptically, I like it a lot better than my conventional Rubik's Cube. Rotating the levels is smoother and the magnetic click makes it much easier to release. However, I was most afraid of a badly programmed app. However, this fear was finally dispelled after the latest update. Everything works perfectly. The cube connects to your smartphone in no time and the modes it contains make you want more. The "Battle" mode is my favourite thanks to its competitive online mode. I still have quite a while to practise before I even have a chance of winning, but as we all know, no master has fallen from the sky.
Our couples therapy with Professor Technologie has borne fruit. My relationship with the Rubik's Cube is back on track. A complete success in my eyes.
Would you like to follow my odyssey with the Rubik's Cube or read more articles about toys? Then click on the black "Follow author" button on my author profile and don't miss any of my texts in future. <p
Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.
