Latest news with #SpinMaster
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Meet The Rubik's Cube That's Part Console, Part Puzzle, And All Chaos
Behold, the Rubik's WOWCube: the console-puzzle hybrid you never asked for, but must try. Occasionally, a piece of gaming hardware comes along that inevitably makes you gawp. It might be ridiculous, like the Resident Evil chainsaw controller, or frankly unplayable, such as the 'skateboard' for Tony Hawk: Ride. Sometimes, you get an invention you didn't ask for, but you still want to try, like the Rubik's WOWCube. There's a lot to unpack with this one. However, if this Frankenconsole manages to stick the landing and resonate with players on both technical and interactive levels, it could be a real game-changer — even if it's only in specific, self-devised circumstances. The Rubik's WOWCube, developed between Spin Master and Cubios, combines a handheld console with your classic Rubik's Cube — at least, one with only four subdivisions per side, rather than your classic nine. With it, the device aims to deliver a tactile, 3D puzzle experience with the functionality of a console, albeit one where games are played across all six sides. This unusual device features 12 interconnected mini-cubes, each side equipped with digital screens and motion sensors. Players can twist, shake, and spin it to interact with games like Space Invaders, Cut the Rope, and, best of all, 2048 — which in retrospect, feels like it was accidentally built for this — on the cube's weird hardware. It's weird, but it's obviously ggot potential. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Admittedly, on a gaming level, my personal excitement is entirely limited to 2048 right now — I'm a member of the 65536 club, to both my credit and detriment, but Cut the Rope was dull back in my iPhone 3GS days. Still, what's apparent about the WOWCube is the 'art of the possible' that it promises. One major cornerstone of the device is that it's an open platform for developers to create and upload custom apps. Those with a killer idea receive a dedicated SDK and developer portal, allowing indie developers and studios alike to explore physics-based design in three-dimensional space. To top it all off, the Rubik's WOWCube will also be certified by which adds an extra layer of credibility for the device as something that isn't just for entertainment, but as a tool for cognitive development and learning — the type of thing you could see in schools in the months and years after its release. If you already have ideas of what you could do with this, think about how you can adapt a national curriculum around it, because this could be a license to print money. There are also product shots like this showing how you can keep on top of stock prices and the ... More weather, but there's no chance you'd use this for that. In any case, it's only a matter of time before someone figures out how to adapt some other classic games for it. Twisting to turn left or right, or rolling to go straight ahead, would be perfect for Dungeon Master. Hell, there's every reason someone can port DOOM to it — at this point, thanks to the meme, I genuinely think my six-year-old Maltipoo could run DOOM. Pre-orders are open later this year, and test versions are already kicking around in the wild, so it's gonna happen at some point. Check out the official Rubik's WOWCube website if you want to register your interest, or check out the ongoing history of the WOWCube, where you can also learn about why it's called the WOWCube (spoiler alert: it may or may not have been because people 'exclaimed WOW!'). Trust me, I really have to review this one. It's too weird not to — watch this space.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Re-Introducing the Rubik's® WOWCube®, a New Spin on the Beloved Puzzle from Leading Global Children's Entertainment Company Spin Master and Cubios
Get a first look at the hardware that's part toy, part console, part brain workout, and all fun! SARASOTA, Fla., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Handheld tech innovator Cubios Inc. is excited to reveal a collaboration with leading global children's entertainment company Spin Master, introducing a brand-new iteration of a beloved Rubik's® Cube: the Rubik's® WOWCube®. The Rubik's WOWCube is a new handheld smart device and gaming platform that's set to turn the gaming and tech world upside down (and on its side…you see where we're going with this) by offering an innovative hardware experience for gamers and tech enthusiasts of all by the iconic 1980s toy, the Rubik's WOWCube comprises a set of rotatable cubes — except this time, each side houses four screens and a series of gyroscopes, opening up a realm of new interactive possibilities. Shake up classics like Space Invaders and Cut the Rope, get a whole new perspective on viral hits like 2048, or discover all-new games and apps designed to engage your hands and mind in equal measure. The Rubik's WOWCube also hosts a software aspect, built as a platform for developers to create and upload their games, apps, and more. Designed as an open platform, Rubik's WOWCube empowers developers to create original games, utilities, and interactive experiences. The built-in SDK and developer portal open a new frontier of tactile, physics-based digital design, with tools and support to help creators bring ideas to life in 3D space.'We're incredibly excited to bring the Rubik's WOWCube to a wider audience,' said Max Filin, Co-Founder and CEO of Cubios Inc. 'The original WOWCube taught us a lot about designing a new way to experience gaming and designing a new platform for developers to build upon. In the two years since we launched the original, we listened to the feedback we received and used it to improve not just the product, but also our approach to how we designed it. This iteration not only implements all our learnings but is also now officially part of the iconic Rubik's family.' In addition to giving the original 3D puzzle a new twist, the Rubik's WOWCube is also proudly authenticated by This endorsement further supports the team's goal for the WOWCube to be both an engaging gadget and a unique, hands-on device that transforms daily entertainment into a cognitive keep up with the latest updates on Rubik's WOWCube and ensure you're first in line when pre-orders open later this year, visit the official website and register your interest. A full press kit, including product logo, photography, and more, can be found here: Photos accompanying this announcement are available at About Spin MasterSpin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children's entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences across its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games. With worldwide toy distribution, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands including PAW Patrol®, Melissa & Doug®, Bakugan® and Rubik's® Cube, and is the global toy licensee for other iconic properties. Through its in-house entertainment studio, the company creates and produces captivating multiplatform content including powerhouse preschool franchise PAW Patrol, along with other original shows, short-form series and feature films. With an established presence in digital games anchored by Toca Boca® and Piknik™, Spin Master engages 70 million active users monthly in open-ended, creative and safe play. With 29 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin Master employs more than 2,500 team members globally. About Cubios Inc Cubios Inc. is the creator of the Rubik's WOWCube — the first-in-class immersive-reality innovative console and gaming platform providing a unique experience of interacting with the digital world as if it's a real object by twisting, shaking, and tilting it. Cubios Inc. is based in Sarasota, FL, and focuses on design, development, marketing, and distribution of hi-tech consumer robotic toys and entertainment game platforms. It is an independent R&D and manufacturing company, developing breakthrough technologies and innovations, and building the ecosystem around the Rubik's WOWCube. Cubios Inc. is the company's game-design lab that creates next-gen digital apps and widgets for the Rubik's WOWCube. PRESS CONTACTAlun Lower, Tabitha Beidleman, Sean Walsh, and James Di PintoUberStrategist in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Observer
12-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Rubik's Cube owner loses trademark battle with Greek rival
Rubik's Cube owner Spin Master Toys UK on Wednesday lost its battle against a Greek rival as Europe's second-highest court annulled trademarks related to the shape of the iconic puzzle. Invented by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, the multicoloured cube puzzle is popular among young and old, with hundreds of millions sold worldwide. The brand was acquired by Canadian children's entertainment company Spin Master in 2021. Spin Master took its case to the Luxembourg-based General Court after Greece's Verdes Innovations SA in 2013 asked the EU trademark office to invalidate several trademarks registered by Spin Master's predecessor between 2008 and 2012. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) backed Verdes, saying Rubik's Cube trademarks had been registered contrary to EU law. The Greek company makes puzzle cubes under the V-CUBE brand. The Luxembourg-based General Court backed EUIPO. "The General Court confirms the annulment of trade marks consisting of the shape of the 'Rubik's cube'," judges said. "As the essential characteristics of that shape are necessary to obtain a technical result, it should not have been registered as an EU trade mark," they said. Spin Master Toys, which can appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union, Europe's highest, did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment. The case is T-1170/23 Spin Master Toys UK v EUIPO - Verdes Innovations. —Reuters
Reuters
09-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Rubik's Cube owner loses trademark battle with Greek rival
BRUSSELS, July 9 (Reuters) - Rubik's Cube owner Spin Master Toys UK ( opens new tab on Wednesday lost its battle against a Greek rival as Europe's second-highest court annulled trademarks related to the shape of the famous puzzle. Invented by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, the multicoloured cube puzzle is popular among young and old, with hundreds of millions sold worldwide. The brand was acquired by Canadian children's entertainment company Spin Master in 2021. Spin Master took its case to the Luxembourg-based General Court after Greece's Verdes Innovations SA in 2013 asked the EU trademark office to invalidate several trademarks registered by Spin Master's predecessor between 2008 and 2012. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) backed Verdes, saying Rubik's Cube trademarks had been registered contrary to EU law. The Greek company makes puzzle cubes under the V-CUBE brand. The General Court backed EUIPO. "The General Court confirms the annulment of trade marks consisting of the shape of the 'Rubik's cube,'" judges said. "As the essential characteristics of that shape are necessary to obtain a technical result, it should not have been registered as an EU trade mark," they said. Spin Master Toys said it will continue to safeguard the Rubik Cube's trademarks. "Spin Master continues to hold other forms of protection for its well-known Rubik's Cube, which it remains committed to protect. The company will continue to defend the distinctiveness and recognition of this iconic toy," the company said in an email. Spin Master can appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union, Europe's highest. The case is T-1170/23 Spin Master Toys UK v EUIPO - Verdes Innovations.
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Rubik's Cube owner loses trademark battle with Greek rival
Rubik's Cubes are seen at a frat house on the campus of Brown University in Providence, R.I. Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007. (AP / Elise Amendola) BRUSSELS — Rubik's Cube owner Spin Master Toys UK on Wednesday lost its battle against a Greek rival as Europe's second-highest court annulled trademarks related to the shape of the iconic puzzle. Invented by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, the multicolored cube puzzle is popular among young and old, with hundreds of millions sold worldwide. The brand was acquired by Canadian children's entertainment company Spin Master in 2021. Spin Master took its case to the Luxembourg-based General Court after Greece's Verdes Innovations SA in 2013 asked the EU trademark office to invalidate several trademarks registered by Spin Master's predecessor between 2008 and 2012. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) backed Verdes, saying Rubik's Cube trademarks had been registered contrary to EU law. The Greek company makes puzzle cubes under the V-CUBE brand. The Luxembourg-based General Court backed EUIPO. 'The General Court confirms the annulment of trade marks consisting of the shape of the 'Rubik's cube',' judges said. 'As the essential characteristics of that shape are necessary to obtain a technical result, it should not have been registered as an EU trade mark,' they said. Spin Master Toys, which can appeal to the Court of Justice of the European Union, Europe's highest, did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment. The case is T-1170/23 Spin Master Toys UK v EUIPO - Verdes Innovations. --- Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Mark Potter
