This invention kit is on sale and can turn almost anything into a touchpad or video game controller
Have you ever seen the experiment that uses an orange to conduct electricity and think "man, I wish I could use fruit to control objects in my life," because same, obviously.
The idea of using wiring to turn inanimate objects into useful items isn't brand new, but has seemed a little too far-fetched in the past for the general public to get into. Enter Makey Makey: an invention kit for everyone that uses wires and alligator clips to turn everyday objects into computerized touch pads.
The idea behind this may seem like it's straight out of some ridiculous science cartoon, but it's 100% real and easy to use. Starting out as a super successful Kickstarter project, the Makey Makey aims to make the world of science and coding more accessible (and fun).
On the circuit board are colored wires labeled with actions (space, click, and arrow movements). The wires have clips on the end that attach to the object of your choice, which then sync movements with the system they're connected to — no software needed. Use a pencil-drawn video game controller to play Super Mario, turn your staircase into giant piano keys, or spice up your work day by using gummy bears as computer keys — the limit does not exist.
Check it out:
If this isn't up your alley, it would probably make the single greatest holiday gift for the brainiac kids in your life. Get the creative juices flowing and find Makey Makey here for less than $50.
Topics Innovations
Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums, TVs, beauty devices, and eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in these categories helps her make thoughtful recommendations for how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.
