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It is an idea that is so simple that it will feel like it’s always been a part of iOS, yet it is magical enough that it has the potential to add an entire new category of gaming on the iPad. A startup named Tangible Play has created a technology called Reflective Artificial Intelligence, which integrates the environment around the iPad using its camera to promote learning and fun through an expanded tactile experience.
When playing the first announced app titled Osmo, the iPad is set on a stand with an accessory attached over the camera. Objects laid out on a surface in front of the iPad such as geometric shapes, letters, or even drawings on paper are analyzed by the app and incorporated into the games.
In one of the three announced games called Words, a picture is displayed on the screen and you have to lay out letter pieces to spell out the picture’s corresponding name. Tangram is a puzzle game that uses wooden shapes, which is based on traditional tangram pieces. Newton is a physics game that lets you draw or use other objects to redirect virtual balls to specific targets. All three look amazing.
Up until this point most games have relied solely on the iPad screen for interaction, but this new technology expands the input capabilities. The biggest benefit of this is that you can involve more kids in the same activity. An iPad is designed for one person to use, but with Osmo it is possible to set it up on a table and have multiple people get in on the action.
“After seeing Osmo for the first time I couldn’t stop bringing my colleagues to see it, and we couldn’t stop raving about Osmo. Every time students play with the Osmo, their excitement is palpable.”, says Tanya Avrith, Apple Distinguished Educator. “After testing hundreds of products for kids, we’ve finally found a product that we know every one of our students will love – a product that naturally brings kids together around the iPad and engages them to learn collaboratively. This is the future of education.”
Osmo is currently in a pre-release phase and it’s developers are actively seeking crowd-sourced funding. If you pre-order, then you will receive a 50{813a954d5e225a1509f22204ece89c855080ce25555f20805f61bed63cbfde3b} discount will supplies last. The full price has been announced at $99, which makes the pre-order a great value.
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