Interactive digital playtime for kids looks like big business in the next couple years. We have toys that can turn doughnuts into computer mice, Disney toys that scan the room and set up augmented reality games, and much more, all coming in the next year or so. Now we also have Hackaball (get it? oh, puns), a ball that kids can program for pretty much every kind of game they can imagine.
Recommended for kids 6-10 years of age, the ball has a futuristic, honeycomb look to it and an open end that allows the LED lights to shine out more clearly. Buy the ball, and you get access to an app for iPads and iPhones that kids can mess with to create various settings.
The Hackaball includes sensors that can track if it is being thrown, shaken, dropped, or kept motionless. The lights inside can change color, and the ball can also vibrate as a form of feedback. You can probably see where this is going. Using the simple editing program, kids (or their parents) can quickly set up if-then commands and structure various games based on their own imagination.
This allows kids to form simple, physically active games, everything from hot potato to…whatever their imaginations can come up with, as long as they are patient enough to go through with it and find a game everyone likes. Plus, kids learn some basic coding elements, too – if they can tear the iPad away from inquisitive parents. Seriously, that age recommendation feels a little low to us.
If you want to preorder Hackaball, you should know that it also comes with 2 protective color jacks, a USB charging cable, and a smart plug. Shipping is expected in December 2015, hopefully in time for Christmas, please. You can preorder one for $89. Remember, only iPad or iPhone owners should apply, at least for now.
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