The GoCube Edge is a modern reinvention of the classic puzzle cube. It pairs with an app to bring cube lessons and competition to the masses, and I think it’s the best way to learn how to solve a puzzle cube.
Yes, this is a $100 “smart” Rubik’s Cube styled toy (there’s also an $80 version that doesn’t come with accessories, friend-battles, or leaderboards). I wish it was less expensive, but if you’re a big fan of puzzle cubes, then it may be worth $100 to you. It may also make a great gift if you know anyone who’s generally obsessed with cubes.
Before we get into what makes the GoCube Edge so great, I’ll try to explain what it does and why it costs between $80 and $100. It’s basically a glorified Rubik’s Cube with built-in proximity sensors and a Bluetooth transmitter. It connects to your phone or tablet via the GoCube app (iOS, Android) so that you can get personalized lessons and compete with other puzzle cube fans. The GoCube app even displays a 3D model of your cube at all times, which is super neat and futuristic.
For power, the GoCube comes with a charging stand and a two-pin peripheral charging cable (not Micro USB or USB-C). The charging stand looks nice, but it also doubles as a phone stand so you can comfortably look at your phone while using the GoCube. (As a side note, the $80 GoCube doesn’t come with a charging stand.)
The GoCube is also designed to be lightweight and fast—it’s what obsessive puzzle cube fans refer to as a “speed cube.” While I am by no means a “speed cuber,” I can appreciate that the GoCube hasn’t locked up on me, and it feels a lot smoother than a Rubik’s Cube. It’s also a bit smaller than a Rubik’s Cube, which makes it easier to control without moving your hands too much.
The GoCube feels more solid than a regular puzzle cube, but it still feels like a bratty kid could rip it apart if they really wanted to. I think it’s a great gift for kids, but I’d be hard-pressed to give this $100 toy to a kid who likes to break things.
Anyway, now that you know what the GoCube is and why it costs so dang much, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Why is this toy so great for cube fans of all ages and skill levels?
This Might Be the Easiest Way to Learn the Cube
Back when I was in high school, one of my teachers assigned a two-week-long Rubik’s Cube “project” to all of her students. If you could solve the cube, you got a good grade. If not, you got a bad grade.
I got a bad grade on that assignment. In fact, I got the worst grade. While other students had no trouble reading and memorizing puzzle cube instruction books, the whole thing just didn’t make sense to me. Like pre-algebra, it just never clicked (pathetic, I know).
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Source : The GoCube Taught Me How to Actually Solve a Puzzle Cube
