Say what you will about the Rubix cube, but it’s really stuck the test of time. Ok, so it might be the worlds most annoying puzzle, and they might be neigh impossible to solve (even with the help of the many YouTube videos on the subject) but whether you were born in the seventies when it was first invented or not then you’re bound to recognise the iconic design and deceptively simple mechanism.
Well, now the Rubiks cube is getting overhauled not once but twice for the naughties and it’s weirder than ever.
First up is the Rubiks 360. The clue is in the name- for the first time the Rubiks cube has gone round. Unveiled at a German national toy show at the beginning of this month, the Rubiks 360 features six small balls trapped inside three larger transparent balls. The idea is to get the small balls through one of two holes in each inner transparent sphere, and then into matching coloured slots on the outer sphere by shaking the entire thing. Sounds highly infuriating, and come summer 2009 you can have a new reason for spending hours in your bedroom shaking your balls.
Read more at Engadget
For those of you who’d prefer your Rubiks cube a little more, well, cube shaped, there’s the Rubiks TouchCube. Combining recent trends for not putting spaces between words and all things touch sensored, this cool little gadget works in pretty much the same way as the original Rubiks cube, except instead of twisting it you simply stroke down the column or across the row you want to spin. I assume it also doubles up as a rather funky night light. There’s no official release date as yet, but speculation says autumn 2009, probably in time to vie for the Christmas top spot.
Read more at Engadget
Watch this space puzzle fans. In the mean time, dig out that unloved mess of coloured squares that’s probably hiding in your Mum’s attic and brush off your Rubiks cube skills in preparation.
Ever solved a Rubiks cube? Tell us how in the comments.
4 thoughts on “Rubiks cube to get high tech make over”
The Rubiks 360 is going to send yo mad. I have had a go and I have to admit I didn’t want to put it down.
I haven’t had the pleasure of using one of these yet, maybe when i, eventually complete the “original” cube, i’ll go move onto this one..
What i do like is the fact that someone’s basic, simple design has earned them ££££’s, and still today the cube is well sought after. Can’t see this new model being as popular as the Original one though, but that’s just my opinion.
The original is a true classic isn’t it? Just goes to show that you can invent the most complicated gadget in the world, but you’ll always be beaten by the guy with the multicoloured squares.
I think the new designs will be interesting to try, and probably just as enfuriating as the original. But yes I don’t think the original is going to be replaced quite so easily.
Quick get your Rubik’s 360 before they run out at Christmas!! I’ve had mine for a few days, and can’t put it down!!!