My oldest son is a huge technology kid. I think he has been working on computers since birth because I can recall him repairing them when he was three and four years old – no, I’m not kidding. The kid is a technology whiz who needs more direction now that he is older. One of the things we are working on is making sure he has the opportunity to experience the latest in tech as often as possible. Best Buy is our go-to place for this task because he is able to try out and ask questions all in one place.
During our most recent trip to our Best Buy in Boise, we were able to visit the Intel Experience. The Intel Experience offers two hundred and forty square feet of Intel’s latest technology. This space is can only be found inside fifty select Best Buy stores and is staffed by specially trained Best Buy Blue Shirts. We feel very lucky to have one of these fifty stores in our neighborhood!
I think this is one of the more grand displays we have seen inside Best Buy before. The pillars contain screens that are constantly moving and inviting you into the area. Once you enter, there are several stations available to explore for all of the latest Intel powered products. Have you seen a 3D printer in action? played on a tablet with augmented reality? or flipped your laptop over to play a game as a family? You can learn how these are all possible at Best Buy’s Intel Experience.
Let’s Get Started!
My husband and son were both excited to see the 3D printer doing its magic so they headed straight for it! This was the first time they were able to see, touch, and play with exciting new 3D Printing technology. With several prepared models already on display, we weren’t able to see our store’s printer in action, but we were able to make adjustments to the upcoming design via the laptop connected. This provided them with a quick resource for how the printer worked. It also provided everyone with the opportunity to touch an object prepared by the printer! The comments made by our children regarding these objects said they were in complete amazement.
My girls skipped over the 3D printer and went straight for the tablets connected to the Mars Rover Augmented Reality station. I actually had to pull them away from the station for them to experience the rest of the Intel Experience stations. Each time we, as a family, finished exploring an area, they would trail back over to the tablets and get back to Mars.
“This is so cool! Come look at this! I’m on Mars…”
I think we spent more than half of our visit on Mars. The entire idea of augmented reality and gaming is amazing. Can you imagine using your walls and home as a backdrop for gaming? Or, can you imagine setting up virtual furniture in your home before you buy it? This is all being made possible with Intel powered augmented reality capable devices! (I cannot tell you how exciting this sounds to me!)
My son really enjoyed the Intel-powered 2-in-1 remix station. There, you are able to remix one of Ne-Yo’s songs using a 2-in-1 laptop provided to control the lights, sounds, beat – everything you need to become the ultimate DJ for Ne-Yo! The screen provided you with an interactive experience to see how virtual Ne-Yo worked with your changes and to pump up the audience.
My four year old little guy enjoyed all of the handheld or small tablets and 2-in-1 notebooks. To him, if they are small and fit in his hand, they must be designed for him. My oldest showed him around and how to use the devices. Little guy talked about his experience for the entire afternoon.
Before we left, my daughter (age 9) found herself enjoying Angry Birds a little too much. She has never played the game on such a large screen before!
Our Intel Experience at Best Buy made for an educationally pleasing afternoon. Everyone walked away with some form of “awe” and excitement. I don’t think they could have enjoyed our experience more unless we had brought something home!
Please visit The Intel Experience to find a participating Best Buy store near you.
Additional Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.