Sifteo Cubes
© 2013 Sifteo
The news for 2013 is that Sifteo Cubes don't require a computer. It has been replaced by a Sifteo Base. Sifteo Cubes (www.sifteo.com) aren't actually cubes. The are more like tiles, just large enough so that a single AAA battery fits diagonally, behind a snap-off plastic back. The battery powers a tiny 1 inch touch screen (about the size of an iPod Nano) that is hard to see in bright light. Each cube has a three axis accelerometer that can sense tilting or shaking, plus a color touch screen. The games might require tilting (e.g., you can "pour" one item from one screen to another), shaking, or shuffling the order. The $130 set, which we tested, includes three cubes and a matchbox-size controller that broadcasts signals to the three cubes, coordinating the game play. It is called the Sifteo Base. Most games are designed to work with a standard three cube set. You can download additional games and add extra cubes to unlock new games. Four pre-installed games work right out of the box or you can connect to your web-connected computer via USB to download more games. It is possible to use as many as 12 cubes at once. Our testers thought the blocks were "very cool" at first, but the games were "hard to see and figure out" compared to, say, one of the many iPad apps. Sifteo Cubes have improved a great deal since last year's generation. We're not sure if it's enough improvement, however.
$130, Smart Toy
Teaches: logic, math