Apple

A look at the Rubik's Cube iPhone app

By // July 27, 2010, 12:33 PM PST // HuTerra

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  • Rubik's Cube iPhone app

    When Hungarian engineer Erno Rubrik designed the Rubik's Cube in 1974, the toy's intended use was as a teaching tool to explain 3-D geometry. The Rubik's Cube found fast success the world over as a toy for adults and children alike.

    For the 30th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube, a mobile app version of the toy was released. It's Rubik's gone digital, and it takes the Cube far beyond 3D geometry. The the Rubik's Cube iPhone App is available for $2.99.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Select your game

    The first Rubik's cube was made of wood. The app gives the cube new dimensions, as players can select different sizes, styles, and looks of app cubes.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Simple controls

    The controls are easy to manipulate, and the app is properly responsive.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • 2x2 cube

    It's not necessarily any easier to solve than 3x3.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Photo opp

    Put your own pictures on the cube.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • 2x2 photo cube

    A built-in picture option is available.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • 3x3 photo cube

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • The Teacher

    The app includes a Teacher function, where players can learn how to solve any Rubik's Cube, whether in the app or in your hand.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • 3D

    As the Cube was originally a tool for explaining 3D geometry, it is only fitting that the 30th anniversary edition (the app) offers 3D viewing. Glasses not included.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • 3D 2x2

    For the cube's 15th anniversary, Diamond Cutters International built a solid gold and jeweled cube. It was 185 carats and fully functional.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • 3x3 3D

    There are three 3D options depending on what glasses you have: red cyan, red green, and red blue.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Red cyan

    3D

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Solution hints

    Solution hints are available.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • More solution hints

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Cube solutions

    The solution hints are easy to follow.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Cube in motion

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Take note

    Varying difficulties exist.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Harder

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Harder still

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Even more complex

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • How many sections?

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Surely it's impossible

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Wow, just wow.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Crazy in 3D - Option 1

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Crazy in 3D - Option 2

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Crazy in 3D - Option 3

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Increased options

    The Rubik's app offers a great many options to customize play.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Change the background

    Changing the background might make it easier to see.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Blue swirl background

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • Wood background

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

  • More Fun button

    On the Home screen, if you click the More Fun button, it takes you to a list of other Magmic games, many of them free or in lite versions. I actually enjoyed some of these games more than the Rubik's Cube, though that's likely because I lack an interest in 3D geometry. But once you've mastered the cube, the More Fun button adds value to the app.

    Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

Rubik's Cube iPhone app

When Hungarian engineer Erno Rubrik designed the Rubik's Cube in 1974, the toy's intended use was as a teaching tool to explain 3-D geometry. The Rubik's Cube found fast success the world over as a toy for adults and children alike.

For the 30th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube, a mobile app version of the toy was released. It's Rubik's gone digital, and it takes the Cube far beyond 3D geometry. The the Rubik's Cube iPhone App is available for $2.99.

Screenshot by Nicole Bremer Nash for TechRepublic.

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By Nicole Nash

Nicole Bremer Nash is Director of Content and Social Media for HuTerra, where she uses SEO and social media to promote charitable organizations in their community-building and fundraising efforts. She enjoys volunteering, arts and crafts, and conduct...