GAN 12 ui Free Play PowerPod

GAN 12 ui Free Play PowerPod

GAN 12 ui Free Play is a 3x3 smart cube that is a fully fledged speed cube when it comes to the mechanism. It is based on the flagship GAN12, and its core houses electronics with sensors and a gyroscope. This version has a UV coating, comes in the stickerless bright colour scheme and is sold together with the PowerPod, a portable charging case.

How it turns

Older bluetooth cubes (e.g. GAN i3) turned noticeably worse than regular speed cubes. With the 12 ui, that difference practically disappears: the cube is light and fast, with corner cutting of up to 90 degrees. 64 magnets plus core magnets (corner-to-core) provide auto-aligning and stable layer holding. Users describe it as very fast, but some find it a little lacking in control straight out of the box. Adjusting the magnets and tension and applying lube usually helps.

Smart features and PowerPod

• Move tracking: the sensors in the core and the gyroscope send every turn to the GAN CubeStation app. You can use it to time your solves, practise algorithms and solve online with others.
• Battery lasts approx. 15 hours of use on a single charge.
• PowerPod works like a power bank: it lets you charge the cube 7-8 times and also serves as a carrying case for the cube. LEDs show the charge level.

Free Play, MagLev or Charge Stand?

Free Play is the version with classic springs. The MagLev version uses repelling magnets instead of springs, giving lighter and quieter turning. The Free Play cube is also sold with just a charging stand (Charge Stand). In that case, you charge it only via cable, without a spare battery in a case. The PowerPod version comes in handy if you often solve away from home.

Who is it for?

For cubers who want to collect solve statistics and train with an app on a cube that keeps up with regular flagships. As a first cube for a child it is probably too much, as a cheaper magnetic cube will be perfectly sufficient. A smart cube makes sense when you will actually use the app and solve analysis.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 smart cube, magnetic, stickerless
• Manufacturer: GAN
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: 68.5 g
• Magnets: 64 magnets, core magnets (auto-aligning), adjustable magnet strength
• Turning system: springs with tension adjustment
• Finish: UV coating
• Battery: approx. 15 hours of use
• App: GAN CubeStation (bluetooth)
• Charging: PowerPod (7-8 cube charges)