The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Imagine a town with two widget merchants. Customers prefer cheaper widgets, so the merchants must compete to set the lowest price.

If there ever was a toy that enjoys universal appeal and recognition, the humble Rubik’s Cube definitely is on the list. Invented in 1974 by sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik with ...

Something to look forward to: For most of the past 51 years, a "simple" puzzle box has been enough to make the Rubik's Cube an enduringly popular and notoriously difficult toy for both kids and adults ...

You ever thought the Rubik's Cube needs a 21st-century iPad kid glow up? Me neither, and yet the $299 WowCube is now officially available to preorder. The Rubik's WowCube comes with 24 LCD screens and ...

The Rubik’s WOWCube can play popular titles like 2048 and Space Invaders customized for its 24 tiny displays. The Rubik’s WOWCube can play popular titles like 2048 and Space Invaders customized for ...

The Rubik’s Cube has been reinvented with more games and many more screens for much more money. What has long been cherished as a simple toy yet complex puzzle requiring nothing but a healthy amount ...

This project includes two Rubik's Cube solvers, an optimal solver, and a Two-Phase / Kociemba's algorithm solver. The optimal solver takes an average of around 60 seconds to find a minimal length ...

Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Toys have the unique power to turn curiosity into skill, and play into lifelong memories. They ...

While the Rubik's WowCube might be the most exciting model on the horizon, cubers looking for another interesting take on the classic puzzle should check out the Pulse Cube. An official Rubik's brand ...

Walking through a toy store, one of the most recognizable items you’ll see is the iconic cube with six colored sides: the Rubik’s Cube. Chances are you’ve played with one, received it as a gift, or ...

If you want to solve a tricky problem, it often helps to get organized. You might, for example, break the problem into pieces and tackle the easiest pieces first. But this kind of sorting has a cost.