It’ll Never Work! - Week 2
Steve Robinson:
October 14th, 2006
Every Saturday I take a look at the strangest gadget from the past week.
This week, it’s a rather bizarre new way of lighting your living room…
“Why Is That Rubik’s Cube Glowing?…”
Bored by bulbs? Tired of strip-lights that hurt your eyes. Well, good for you. Because, thanks to tireless inventors in Japan (where else), there is a new way to light your living room, illuminate your lounge or dazzle your Daewoo – the humble Rubick’s cube. The Seventies boredom-beater has returned with both light and audio capabilities, albeit without the actual ability to play with it. Plug it into the mains and you get a Lava-Lamp effect of varying colours; plug it into your MP3 player or stereo, and you can bathe in ‘glorious’ 125nW sound. Finally retro geeks can relax, knowing they can be suitably lit and aurally amused with their favourite antiquated pastime by their side – on a trendy little stand, no less.
Of course, for the rest of us, we take one look at Megahouse’s creation and stifle a laugh. A glowing Rubik’s Cube whining away on it’s pitiful 0.125W speaker is more likely to give me nightmares than it would make me reach for my wallet. Equally bemused would be my Dad when he thinks a Rubik’s Cube is singing to him. Though it does create an enticing idea for a prank, by recording a high-pitch voice claiming to be the ‘Cube itself to my iPod, then playing it back through the ornament’s speakers as my Dad walks past…
Megahouse’s Rubix Cube-style Light/Sound Ornament is due for release soon in Japan, price TBC. Expect a European release by Christmas (maybe).