Sifteo cubes utilize NFC for collaborative interaction
updated 05:15 pm EDT, Fri August 12, 2011
Cubes center around 1.5" displays
Sifteo has released its self-titled cubes, which were first shown at TED talk in 2009 and later debuted at CES. The diminutive devices feature 128x128 LCD screens spreading just 1.5 inches and doubling as a single button. The cubes serve as the basis of Sifteo's "Intelligent Play Platform," a unique interaction concept that enables users to play games such as chess, dominoes and jigsaw puzzles, or collaborate with music sequencers and math puzzles.
Rather than relying on touchscreen input, the cubes interact with each other via near-field communication (NFC). Each cube also integrates an accelerometer that senses tilt and other movement, while a USB dongle plugs into a computer to interface with the company's application.
The SiftRunner desktop software, which is available for Mac and Windows, enables users to browse or play games, with all audio transmitted through the computer's speakers. A "Creativity Kit" also promises a deep level of customizability for various gameplay experiences.
The Sifteo cubes are now available to pre-order in a pack of three directly from the company for $149, with shipping expected in September. [via Ars Technica]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
3 for $150?
Hmm, seems it would be hard to play a game of chess with just three of these things... At $1650 for the 11 sets of three cubes needed to form a complete chess set, that's one expensive game of chess.