Hybrid play - Playground 2.0
Hybrid play has been under development since 2008.
I don´t have any kids of my own. But still i can understand that it´s a very stressy life being a parent nowadays. It´s the constant hunt for quality time, spending time with your kids and having some freetime on your own. But let´s say that your a Gamer.
Then you can combine parenting and fun. At least that´s the idea behind Hybrid Play (which are a Spanish made project). Because Hybrid Play (that will run on iOS and Android devices) will transform your local playground into a interactive video game experience. So now you got no reason not to play with your kids =)
Well, if Hybrid Play reaches it´s goal on Indiegogo that is (The Hybrid Play team will start their indiegogo campaign sometime in the near future). Then the release will take place next Spring. So, i wish Team Hybrid Play the best of luck!
Press release:
Valencia, Spain - September 9th 2014
The Hybrid Play team is proud to announce an Indiegogo crowdfunding project, which will take place in coming weeks. The funding project will seek the resources for producing the first units of Hybrid Play, a system to rediscover urban spaces such as parks and playgrounds, mixing traditional play in the park with video games.
In development since 2008, Hybrid Play is an open source project relying heavily on the community which has been tested in countless workshops, gathering feedback from thousands of kids and parents who will have now the opportunity to take the device back home as they have ever wanted.
The sensor device is placed in the different pieces of equipment in the park, allowing children to became the motion controllers for video games that are played collectively. Put the sensor, download the app for smartphones and tablets (Android compatible, under development for iPhone/iPad) and play! The prototype, an open hardware piece and fully functional in this stage, is comprised of an Arduino electronic platform with a micro-controller and motion/presence detectors.
Available for free, the Hybrid Play app features a wide range of built-in games developed by the Hybrid Play team. Collect space debris with Space Kids and discover all the secrets of Puzzle City, two of the many exclusive Hybrid Play games included with the app. Open source implementations of classic games such as Pac Man, TRON and Pong are also available, so that children can discover retro games in a completely new way.
And aside from the built-in games, Hybrid Play offers a great way for kids to express their creativity through video games, as the system is compatible with Gamesonomy, a visual programming tool. Gamesonomy is a powerful and intuitive editor that allows users without programming skills to create games in the cloud, requiring no additional software or downloads. The games are created online and tested on the phone, with a simple interface that let the kids develop their own games with no limits but their imagination.
"We have been working with Hybrid Play since 2008, developing it together with thousands of kids from many different cultures." said Diego Díaz, lead developer. "Much of the creativity inside the project comes from the kids themselves, who gave and still give us many ideas and new development possibilities. Amazing stories and adventures in which they transform the park and the city in which they live. And soon they'll be able to do it themselves with their parents and educators."
More details on the Indiegogo, which will go live in coming weeks, will be provided soon. Hybrid Play will
be available on Spring 2015.
Technical info (Hybrid Play Device)
- Based in a custom Arduino electronic platform, with a series of add-ons and sensors, and a clip designed to easily grip to any surface between 2 and 4 cms wide (around 0,80 to 1,60 inches). It is impact, dust and water spray resistant.
- Sensors: 6-axis IMU (inertial magnetic unit), comprised by an accelerometer MMA8653FCR and a MAX21000+
gyroscope, using FreeImu OpenSource motion sensing libraries by Varesano. In order to detect proximity,
the device includes an infrared VCNL-4020-GS08 sensor.
- http://freeimu.varesano.net/
- Processing: ATMEGA328P high-performance microcontroller. Arduino compatible.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth dual (2.0 y 4.0). Device and smartphone are paired the first time, then the
connection is automatic.
- Power: Li-polymer 3.7V 2000MAH battery pack, micro USB rechargeable.
- Software: Native iOS and Android app.
- Open Source commitment.
- Hybrid Play games, open forever.
- Modify our games, create yours.
