Wonder, how this magic chessboard came into being? What compelled the two engineering students to even think about this incredible idea? Let’s tell you the story

2013 is where it all began. When the National Association of Blind approached us to understand the possibility of designing a chessboard for the visually impaired. Unfortunately, computers and smartphones lack the ability. So we, the two young engineers accepted this challenge. Being the board game lovers ourselves, we simply dived-in to explore the possibilities with the support of our university (KJ Somaiya College of Engineering) and the Incubation center (RiiDL) where the idea was incepted.

After tireless research, months of hardwork and infinite trial and errors, finally we arrived at a design. But, is designing enough? Not really? What’s a design without funds to bring it alive. There begins another struggle.

The big question – how do you generate funds for the prototype? That’s when an idea struck. We started participating in various technical paper presentations and national level tech competitions to win the prize money. Slowly and steadily we earned sufficient money to design the first prototype in 2014. And guess what? It worked. From this day onwards there was no looking back.

Here comes the big milestone, invitation from Maker Faire Rome, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. Next followed the invitation from Alesandro and Gael to this event who had initially lend a helping hand to shape-up this project. This trip to Rome was the most amazing experience ever. It was the first time we set our foot outside India. We still can’t stop smiling looking at the boarding pass, yes it’s still with us!

We met some amazing people and industry leaders during this trip. One of which that we still personally remember was the interaction with Mr Banzi, Founder of Arduino.

He was completely taken aback by our innovation.

His positive feedback and the excitement on his face instilled that confidence within us to even think that this could be a connected board gaming platform. We also met a few creators who had already done a successful crowdfunding campaign.

As soon as we landed back in India, we started to work on further development of the product. We had that zeal and undying enthusiasm to present to the world the never-thought-before idea of a tangible board gaming platform. That a board could come alive, literally.  

A year later, we had already showcased our prototypes at a lot exhibitions across the globe. We gathered feedback from numerous people and their appreciation gave us enough confidence to start a crowdfunding campaign, inspiring us to turn our prototype into a product that’s was called Square Off.

Preparations started in full swing, in 5 months we were ready to step out in the world and show them something they have only seen in movies.

Nov 5, 2016, on the day one, within 6 hours, we were fully funded. Not just fully funded, overfunded (425%) in next 28 days.

We can’t express how mind-blown we were with the response. Unimaginable support was pouring down from the Kickstarter community. The news spread like a wildfire. Mashable, Daily Planet, Engadget, Huffington Post, Fox47 News, Arduino, Digital Trendz and a lot of other media publications featured us. Not just that, Chess communities like chess.com and chessbase also put in a word for us on their sites. We were over the moon.

Square Off became one of the very few hardware startups from India to launch a successful Kickstarter Campaign. It wouldn’t have been possible without an amazing team of individuals who worked day in and out, our lovely backers who believed in us, and to the very kind media who supported us more than we ever expected.

We can’t thank you all enough!

Loads of love

Aatur & Bhavya

For certain reasons children take an acute liking to the strategies of chess, their brain develops more synapses that helps them interpret STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in their future years.

Research suggests that the right age for children to be introduced to chess is four, just a year before they reach 90% of their brain development.It’s proven that chess has unique benefits to a child’s brain, but when the regular chessboard is supplemented by AI and robotics i.e. the Square Off board, there’s a lot more fascinating things that children learn over the table.

1. Relationships and Brain development

One of the most overlooked aspects of early brain development is ‘how relationships can help the child’s brain get wired the right way’. Positive relationships with parents, caregivers and teachers help children to grow healthier and be more successful in life. That’s why it’s important to sing, read and play with your little ones.

The Square Off chessboard is built to achieve this by letting parents play with their kids even while they are away from home, using app to board gameplay, the kind of quality, care, stimulation and interaction they receive via the board can make a visible difference to their approach to life.

2. The best exercise for a child’s brain

A german study of 32 weeks with children from grades 6-9 proved that chess has the upperhand in kindling creativity. These children were divided and given different activities to indulge in for a few hours everyday, these included computers or playing chess. The group with chess as the activity showed double the creativity when tested on the grounds of originality.  

Scientific studies indicate chess activates the logical and imaginative sides of the brain, both the left and right hemispheres being actively involved. As the brain is an organ that behaves like a muscle, when exercised through such games it stays fit and healthy to process and remember information better.

The Square Off board engages the child more than a regular chess board through the technology of ‘moving on its own’ made alive with a combination of electromagnetic and telerobotic movement.

3. The golden ticket to ‘Attention’ & ‘Concentration’

Adding to the list of benefits that chess can give your child are problem-solving, memory, foresight, planning etc. but the foundation of them all is ‘attention’, it’s the gateway to thinking and learning. Attention becomes fragmented as technology grows observes Nicolas Carr a technology writer.

In the good old days, children had limited options and spent their attention towards reading, an activity that required consistent attention, imagination, and memory, minus the distractions. Post the idiot box, which unleashed a visual feast attention altered, leaving little room for imagination. Then the Internet meteor struck which put children into a entertainment and information overload in which distraction is the norm, consistent attention is nearly impossible, and imagination becomes passe, leaving the memory inhibited.

Square Off has the ability to be a daywalker of technology and old world charm, an innovation which includes all of the digital world’s benefits but none of it’s side effects (specially no-screens), made with handcrafted care each move will entertain and train your kid in magical ways, it’s features will keep your child occupied the right way with deep concentration and attention. It’s worldwide connectivity also helps your kid play with their friends and family. So wonder no more, try Square Off with your child and feel the difference in their life.      

For more information on what Square Off can do for your child visit squareoffnow.com today.

Behind the complexity of technology is the simple thought of coming together.

The brand’s Christmas film for example is inspired from true events where a father in his late 60’s is somehow not able to meet his son’s family for Christmas (probably due to extreme weather conditions) but that does not stop the son from connecting with the father to whom he gifts a Square Off board.
In the midst of the pressures of entertaining his guests the son is able to play a game of chess from his phone (via the Square Off app) while the father plays on his Square Off board. The result is a magical reunion especially when the player on the app can move the pieces from elsewhere (through a tech help called telepresence) and this special connection lights up everyone’s Christmas.

Why Chess? The list is endless, but here are a few key advantages to get you curious…

1. It’s one of the most beneficially engaging game in the world  
2. Research shows that playing chess improves a child’s abilities in  math, reading, thinking and problem-solving.
3. People over 75 who play brain games like chess can prevent dementia
4. Develops creativity and activates both sides of the brain
5. Inculcates a sense of calmness and reduces anxiety

So if you want to make a special connection this Christmas and come together with friends & family like never before, try Square Off.

Watch the Brand Film

So, this holiday season, add it to wishlists! Come together with your loved ones, no matter how far.

Here’s how Square Off makes for a unique gifting experience

Connect with your friends and family, no matter where they are

Challenge friends halfway across the country, play with someone in the next room. And you can watch every move they make come alive on your board. That’s right, the pieces move on the board, even without your opponent sitting across from you. It’s almost as if they really are there! Like we said, magic.
 

Make it a family game

Forget all those other board games that have been a staple for years – chess can become the new holiday game. And it’s even better if you’re all spending holidays away from each other, because you get to still connect and play like you would if you were in the living room together.

Challenge grandpa, after all, he taught you the game

Do you remember sitting in front of a chess board as a kid with your grandpa as he showed you the best moves to make? Now you can show him that you’re well on your way to being a grandmaster. Gift him the board and play with him from wherever you are, show him that you’re still passionate about the game. And it’s all because of him.

Introduce your kids to magical chess

Just like in Harry Potter! While those pieces are larger than life, these still move on their own. If you’ve been waiting to teach your kids how to play chess, this is the best way to start. The wizardry is in their touch! Get them excited about a game you’ve always loved and show them a thing or two on how to outsmart their opponent.

A classic game for someone new

Chess has been around forever, so introduce that someone special in your life to your favourite game. The board has that classic look, but it’s an updated version with magical pieces to make it even more fun.

So gift your loved ones this magical experience and start connecting over a fun game of chess, from wherever you are!