When Sifteo Cubes launched back in 2011, Stimulant created an application LoopLoop for which they shared two 2012 Interaction Design Awards with Sifteo. When asked if they would like to play with some next-generation hardware, they couldn’t resist. The result is BlissBomb, an exploratory, meditative application that mixes procedurally-drawn graphics with calming sound.
The latest Sifteo Cubes, just announced few days ago, have replaceable batteries, touch-sensitive screens, and a Sifteo Base cube that allows them to be used without a host PC. They’re more reactive, responsive, and even less expensive.
BlissBomb was an outgrowth of our need to better understand the platform, and to design and build an application that would not just be unique, but be “massively multi-cube,” supporting up to 12 cubes. What’s more, the Cubes needed to behave individually, as “islands” of multiple cubes, or as one gigantic, inter-connected mass.
All the visuals in Bliss Bomb are drawn procedurally, directly into the Cubes’ frame buffer. Inspired by somewhat retro feel of the Sifteo Cube games the team at Stimulant wanted to explore an animation paradigm that was equally retro, but something that was unique to this decidedly modern platform.
The new Sifteo Cubes will ship in November 2012, retailing at US$129, but you can pre-order starting immediately. Learn more at Sifteo’s website
stimulant.io | LoopLoop | Bliss Bomb
@Sifteo, we are still waiting for our promised Cubes! :)
