GAN 356 I Carry 2 UV

GAN 356 i Carry 2 UV 3x3

GAN 356 i Carry 2 UV is a magnetic 3x3 smart cube. It connects via Bluetooth to the GAN CubeStation app, which records your moves, times your solves and keeps statistics. The app also has tutorials and lets you race other cubers online. The cube never needs charging because it runs on a replaceable button cell battery. This version has a glossy UV coating and comes in a stickerless bright colour scheme.

Electronics and battery

Inside there is a single CR2032 battery. According to GAN, it lasts for about 700 hours of use, much longer than the original i Carry (approx. 280 h) and the i Carry S (approx. 330 h). When the battery runs out, you replace it yourself, with no charging station or cables needed. You turn the cube on with a light shake. GAN has also made the electronics module in the core smaller, so it gets in the way of turning less.

The cube has no gyroscope. The app registers every layer turn, but the 3D model on the screen does not rotate along with the cube when you rotate it in your hands.

How it turns

The cube has 48 magnets. Reviewers describe them as medium strength, slightly stronger than average. You can feel a clear "bump" when turning, and the layers snap into place readily. Turning is smooth and easy to get used to. Some users feel the cube performs only averagely out of the box and needs a setup, meaning lubing and tension adjustment. Others would prefer even stronger magnets. GAN classes the i Carry 2 as an entry-level smart cube, so it should not be compared with flagship speedcubing models.

Adjustment and finish

Tension is adjusted with the GES Pro+ system, i.e. nuts with visible markings. The UV coating gives a glossy surface with strong grip and holds up better to everyday use. If you prefer matte plastic with moderate grip, choose the frosted version. The mechanism is the same in both versions.

Who is it for?

This cube is a great fit if you want to start solving with an app: learn from tutorials, track your progress and play online. It is also a sensible choice for a child's first smart cube, as there is no need to remember to charge it. An experienced speedcuber will rather treat it as a cube for analysing solves and training with the app, not as a main competition cube.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 smart cube, magnetic, stickerless
• Manufacturer: GAN
• Size: 56 mm
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, GAN CubeStation app
• Power: 1 CR2032 battery, approx. 700 h of use (replaceable)
• Gyroscope: none
• Magnets: 48
• Adjustment: GES Pro+
• Finish: UV coating (glossy)