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  • Author Author: Eavesdropper
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Modular electronics, for fun mostly (arduino)

Eavesdropper

 
As a kid, I played with electronics kits where you would plug in resistors or capacitors to light LEDs or turn motor. At the time, I had no idea what was going on with the electronics. Kits today, have not changed much. However, the concept from company B-Squares is exactly what I needed as a child. The company, founded my MIT graduates Jordan McRae and Shawn Frayne, is making a handful of "squares" that magnetically couple together in different configurations to perform various electronic functions. There are solar, rechargeable battery, LED, speaker, iPhone dock, and even Arduino squares that can be tinkered to do whatever the user can configure. The quick swapping of parts and the ability to chain various things together is quite a feature. I especially like the ability to group several solar "squares" together for powering gadgets, or gadget squares, I suppose. If the price is right, these will be the next magnet toys everyone gets for Christmas.
 
The Arduino square has great potential beyond the plug and play aspect of the whole design. Though, I wonder if the restrictions and limitations of the B-square concept will kill any true developments.
 
A micro-usb B-square would be a great adition.
 
Eavesdropper
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  • Hi E,

     

    I agree with you.  The flash of these things could possibly help encourage people to experiment with electronics, but I too worry that the inherent limitations of the approach might convince others not to get interested.  There is a fine line between a toy and a tool, but I wish them well with the product.  We will have to wait and see if it helps or hurts the need to encourage more people to join us on the fringe of science and technology.

    Thanks

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    DAB,

     

    Although I think this concept not practical for any real designing, I am interested in making a game out of the squares. They look fun.

     

    E

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