Review – The original Rubik’s Cube was launched in 1980.I am 9 years old and it is toy have. I am very good at solving all the top side in order, but this is its scope. I have always hoped to be able to solve a problem, but never took time. Both of my children learned these skills a few years ago (which made me very frustrated), but I still didn’t work hard. It turns out that what I need is Heykube. This gem taught me how to solve it through repetition and some other features. If you have always wanted to learn, it may also be what you are looking for.
what is it?
This is not a cube from the 80s. Heykube has a brain, and the LEDs on both sides will show you how to solve the cube, one round at a time. There is an app for additional training, some interesting modes, etc., but Heykube works out of the box, you just need to start learning to solve it.
What’s in the box?
- Black cube
- Cool Bay Charger
- Micro USB data cable
- user’s manual
Hardware specifications
- Real-time guidance
- Position and direction tracking
- Powerful microprocessor
- Embedded LED provides rotation indication for HEYKUBE
- Audio output signal progress
- Enable bluetooth
- Low power technology
- rechargeable battery
- USB charging cable
- Open API
- Fully programmable HEYKUBE python library
Design and features
Everyone knows how to turn the side of the cube and start moving some pieces. Heykube’s brain knows the positions of all the chess pieces and shows you how to solve them step by step, starting your cube solving journey. The directional LEDs on each of the six faces will show you the side and direction to turn.
The internal battery is charged by this small adapter, which is connected to the orange and yellow sides with spring pins, freeing the cube from the traditional power connector.
You can also use the companion app (but not required) to assist with additional guidance and some other cool functions, such as creating patterns on the cube.
Set up
If you can’t wait to get started, you should have enough money to get started right away. Just shuffle the cube and find the side with animated LEDs to show you the direction to turn. Then find the next one, and then the next one… After the “sequence” is completed, one of the LEDs will flash red from time to time. This basically means turning that face towards you in the next sequence.
If the cube times out, turning any face should wake it up. If not, it’s time to recharge.
To do this, connect the charger to the corresponding orange and yellow sides, and then connect the cable to the USB-A power supply. The LED on the white surface will rotate to show the charging status.
You can also download the app. It will let you wake up the cube and then pair it.
There is a lot to introduce, so let’s skip to the next part.
which performed
As I mentioned at the beginning, since the 80s, I have almost been able to solve a face. I am very happy to see whether Heykube can help me solve this unresolved problem that has plagued me for 30 years. It turns out that the answer is a resounding “yes”!
I just started using Heykube and followed the prompts. I can confirm that I solved it quickly. Then I did it again, and yes, it still works. This is evidence in the video where I did this. There is no audio, so feel free to browse and save some time.
Then I downloaded the app and followed the steps there, which helped fill in some of the gaps about when and how to solve the problem. A quick start may be helpful. Here are some key points…
- Each side has its own color, and it is very helpful to remember which colors are opposite each other. Their pairing is as follows: white/yellow, orange/red, green/blue.
- Heykube’s LEDs already rotate clockwise or counterclockwise for you, but it’s helpful to know the shorthand reference. They usually follow this nomenclature. FLangte, youp, resistanceCorrect, Riseinfluences Bconfirm, Dmy own. The letter itself rotates clockwise, and the letter with an asterisk rotates counterclockwise. For example, F, U, R, U*, R*, F* or clockwise forward, up, right, then counterclockwise up, right, forward. Apostrophes are actually more common than asterisks.
- The key to the above is that it does not depend on color, so you can redirect kube based on which part of the solution you are in.
- Heykube does have an additional direction to understand. That is, white = up, green = front. At any time, if you want to close the prompts or reopen them, just follow this order. F, F, U, U, U*, U*, F*, F*. You may also see the same sequence as F2, U2, U*2, F*2 (where 2 means twice). Just know that the prompt will automatically reopen after the cube or timeout event is resolved.
All of these are included in the application’s tutorial videos, so it can be easily referenced at any time.
So back to the solution. I started to solve the white face as usual, and then followed Heykube’s prompts. At that time, I began to identify the pattern of solving the edge fragments in the middle layer, and can identify which piece was moved where. This is my next achievement, I can solve the white face and the top and middle layers every time without prompting!
The last layer is where it gets complicated, because there are some steps to reach the yellow cross, then the full yellow face, and then the last layer. For me, these are not as clear as solving the first and second layers, but again I started to make the pattern deeply ingrained, and now I can solve the complete cube. Heykube celebrates with you by flashing LEDs in all directions in a small firework show. At a few points, I definitely need a few more turns than it should, but I can do this without prompting!
My hearing is not what it used to be, and this was confirmed when my daughter commented on the whistle that kube made as you tackled each step. I didn’t even hear their voices. After putting on the hearing aids, they are there. It should be noted here that turning off the green/white combination prompt does not disable the more celebratory whistle, although you can disable the sound in the app.
The battery life is very good, and it charges quickly. I have not encountered any functional problems, and overall, I am very satisfied with the way it teaches you to solve the problem. There are tutorials in the app to learn more about theories and other algorithms. Both my son and daughter use different methods (CFOP = cross, first 2 layers, orientation, arrangement) to solve their cubes, solving two layers at a time. This doesn’t seem to be something I can do with Heykube, but maybe this is where programming comes in. They provided a Python library and a way to program it with Raspberry Pi, and wanted to see what users could come up with.
As for durability, Heykube did not disappoint. In fact, the only problem I encountered was that the logo in the center of the white side started to wear out quickly and then completely scraped off.
Not a problem at all, but for Heykube no longer owning the brand, it is a bit disappointing. But back to durability. It is harder than most cubes, and I like it because I don’t want to accidentally turn my face that I don’t intend to turn. This means that you are also unlikely to set any records on this cube. But…in the app, if you click Challenge/World Record, you can click on 5 different world records, which will guide you to the same contention point, and then provide you with a timer to help you understand what you have How slow.
What I can tell you is that I can now solve a cube in about 2 minutes, and if I have a problem on the last layer, it will slide to about 3. I will not beat my son anytime soon, because this video will prove it.
what do I like
- Teach you to solve the cube!
- Fun to use
- Can be used with or without a mobile phone
What will i change
- Permanent Heykube logo (for them)
- It’s a bit expensive, but it’s really cool.
Final thoughts
I kind of gave up being able to solve a cube. Heykube changed this in a fun and fascinating way and allowed me to do it at my own pace. It also touches on the irritability factor, making it something you just want to put on your desk. Of course there are cheaper cubes, but can they do what Heykube can do?
price: US$99.99 (currently priced at US$79.99)
Where to buy: Amazon
source: The sample of this product is made by Black cube
