Every so often I come across something that simply makes me smile because of its originality. What is more surprising is how I came across what I am about to share with you. Available on iPhone and iPad and was specifically adapted for iPhone Duo, it lets the very design of the phone turn do the heavy lifting for the game to work.
Who'd have ever thought "Let's turn a folding phone into a toaster." - and somehow it works.
So, I introduce to you Toastie, a game developed by Tomasz Szykulski and Cyprian Brytan. The idea behind the game is simple enough. Build a toastie by layering up your sandwich; then grill it and try not to burn it. To toast the toastie (sorry I had to do that) the player simply folds the device shut and the virtual toaster lid closes.
Then the player opens it and checks on your sandwich. Apparently it takes about six seconds.
On paper it sounds utterly ridiculous. In practice it is exactly the sort of creative thinking that reminds us technology should occasionally be fun.
Reviewed as "irritatingly addictive" and "a pretty fun toy to play with" it has been widely praised for how it uses the folding phone concept and takes enjoyment up to another level.
Furthermore, for a one-off purchase price, what you get is a game devoid of ads, trackers and in-app purchases, which in itself is refreshing nowadays. Remember I recently posted on how games are simply not stand-alone anymore - well this one is!
I am also quietly proud that I have a connection to the project through one of my clients, whose husband is Tomasz Szykulski. This is why I know about the six seconds to make a perfect toastie.
When I met with her yesterday, she had just come back from a holiday with her husband in Thailand and due to the dates matching up they were able to attend a significant technology event while they were there. My client became a de facto marketeer on the spot, even though it is not her normal job remit, but given her personality and confidence, I am absolutely convinced about her abilities.
I think especially for them, but also for me simply by association, seeing somebody create something so imaginative and then for it to be recognised by the wider technology community is genuinely pleasing.
In a world that often takes itself far too seriously, perhaps we all need the occasional world's most expensive toaster.
Now where is my toaster?
As always stay safe and well my friends.
NB Just to make something clear, there is no commission for posting this. I am posting it simply because it is interesting and I love to see the people I know get on in life - simple as - almost as simple as burning toast!
