Osmo - A Gaming Experience for iPad That Merges the Real and Virtual World

iPad gaming is big business and sometimes it’s difficult to find your niche if you’re a developer because the app community is gigantic. In my opinion, there aren’t enough interactive and educational learning games for kids; I get tired of seeing my kids play Plants vs. Zombies and Jetpack Joyride all the time.

The Osmo is blending the virtual world of the iPad with the real world to defy the boundaries of play. The Osmo is a device that snaps over your iPad’s front-facing camera and, using its reflective AI and built-in mirror, recognizes and responds to real-world activity. It also includes a dock to hold your iPad upright and off the playing surface. It’s kid-tough and doesn’t require batteries, electronics, or an Internet connection to play.

The Osmo is designed for the iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Mini, iPad Mini Retina, and iPad Air. Set the iPad on the stand, put the red block on top of the iPad and and open up the game and start playing. Once set up, you can use both hands to play and any surface can be your playing field. The Osmo will ship with 3 iOS games (will be available free via the App Store after launch): Tangram, a puzzle and shape game, Newton, an interactive drawing game, and Words, a team-based spelling game. More games will be added in the future pending a successful launch campaign.

Connected. For Real.
Get silly with your siblings. Debate word definitions with friends. Compete with Dad (and make him sweat!). Osmo brings kids and families together in the real world ‑ for real time laughs.

Osmo isn’t just for kids but everyone who’s a kid at heart — the games and interactivity look like so much fun to play at any age. Educators from over 150 elementary schools nationwide can’t get enough of the device, according to the company, as it creates social, emotional and creative learning. Osmo was founded by Jerome Scholler and Pramod Sharma. Both have engineering backgrounds and a love for educational tools as well as extensive backgrounds in the tech industry.

The Osmo is available for pre-order at 50% off (until June 22nd) for $49 US during their crowdfunding campaign and will start shipping this Fall. Your order comes with the Osmo Base that enables Newton, Words letter tiles, and Tangram wooden shapes.

After watching the video you can tell how easy it is to set up and use and children are excited to use it. It combines the best of both worlds — our iOS devices and our finely-tuned motor skills — all without pushing virtual buttons, collecting coins, or killing zombies. For more information, be sure to read their full FAQ.