Makey Makey GO, a USB to hack everything that moves (or doesn't). © DR
Following its second successful Kickstarter campaign, Makey Makey will commercialize its new prototyping kit on USB stick. For when you want to hack your banana in a jiffy.
Who hasn’t seen a banana piano at a Maker Faire? Or played Mario with a play-doh controller? The genius of Makey Makey‘s prototyping modules is based on a simple idea: to be able to control your computer with anything, provided that the anything in question conducts at least a bit of electricity. Hence the Chamallows and other beer cans converted into keyboards or joysticks since Makey Makey first launched in 2012, with more than 200,000 kits sold in three years.
Makey Makey style Mario Kart:
Repackaging the concept of transforming any everyday object into a computer peripheral, including fruits and vegetables, the team of developers, led by an MIT alumnus, condensed everything into a USB thumb drive.
Without changing the winning formula, the new prototype Makey Makey GO was launched on Kickstarter, where it raised $197,000 during a campaign that ended on July 10.
Not quite the $568,000 raised on this same platform for the launch of the original kit, but still an honorable score, considering that its original goal was $10,000. Estimated delivery date is November 2015, for around $19. In comparison, the classic kit is currently selling for $49.95.
Makey Makey GO launch video:
Makey Makey GO works the same way as the classic model, but in plug and play mode compatible with recent Windows and Mac operating systems. Once the USB is plugged into the computer (or certain tablets), simply connect it via mini Alligator clip to the object of your choice, which subsequently becomes a makeshift mouse or keyboard.
It’s enough to keep you busy all day, trying to connect everything within reach. The designers of this hacker stick say it was made to feel as familiar and handy as a “kitchen gadget”. Some are already planning to wear it as a necklace, or as earrings.
Makey Makey GO Kickstarter campaign
