New Rubik’s Cube models attempt to battle counterfeits, include puzzle for the blind

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Company executives say new models of Rubik’s Cube are being launched in an effort to battle counterfeit models, many of which are made in China.

Janos Kovacs, brand manager for Rubik Enterprises, says one of the models has an improved mechanism which can be customized by competitors to make the sides of the cube turn easier, while another of the mechanical puzzles invented by Hungarian Erno Rubik has sets of geometrical shapes on the cube faces so it can be solved by blind people.

Kovacs says the new models “are an opportunity to squeeze out the Chinese counterfeits from the market.”

The models were presented at the 2013 Hungarian Open ending Sunday, in which competitors raced to solve cubes with their feet, with one hand or while blindfolded.