Engadget Podcast: Why the Nex Playground 'AI Console' Has Become a Surprise Hit Over the past two years, a small and unassuming device called the Nex Playground has managed to carve out an impressive niche for itself, particularly among kids and families. This compact box, which sits in front of your TV, uses a camera and computer vision AI to track your movements, enabling a new kind of interactive gaming experience. The Nex Playground is often described as a simplified version of Microsoft's ill-fated Kinect peripheral, combined with the local multiplayer charm of the original Nintendo Wii. But what makes this device so compelling, and how has it managed to outshine even major gaming consoles in the market? In a recent Engadget podcast episode, Devindra Hardawar sat down with David Lee, the CEO and co-founder of Nex, to delve into the story behind this surprising success. The Origins of the Nex Playground David Lee's journey with the Nex Playground began somewhat unexpectedly. He initially set out to build a basketball tracking app, leveraging computer vision technology to provide real-time feedback and analytics to players. However, as he explored the potential of this technology, Lee recognized that the applications could extend far beyond just sports. "We started off building a basketball tracking app, but we quickly realized that the core technology we were developing – this computer vision AI that could track body movements – had much broader applications," Lee explained. The team at Nex began to experiment with different use cases, from fitness and dance games to interactive storytelling experiences. It was during this exploration phase that the concept of the Nex Playground started to take shape. "We wanted to create a platform that could enable a wide range of interactive experiences, not just for gaming, but for things like education, fitness, and even social interaction," Lee said. "The idea of the Nex Playground was to build a device that could bring these AI-powered interactive experiences into the living room, making them accessible and engaging for the whole family." Designing the Nex Playground In developing the Nex Playground, Lee and his team faced several challenges. They needed to create a hardware device that was not only affordable and user-friendly but also capable of delivering a seamless and responsive interactive experience. "One of the key things we focused on was the design and ergonomics of the device," Lee said. "We wanted it to be small, discreet, and easy to set up, so it wouldn't feel like a bulky intrusion in the living room." The team also put a lot of effort into optimizing the computer vision and AI processing capabilities, ensuring that the Nex Playground could track movements with precision and low latency, even in complex home environments. "We worked closely with experts in computer vision, AI, and game design to make sure the Nex Playground could deliver an experience that felt truly immersive and responsive," Lee explained. "It was a delicate balance of hardware, software, and user experience design." Securing Partnerships and Content One of the critical factors in the Nex Playground's success has been the team's ability to attract major brands and content creators to the platform. Unlike traditional gaming consoles, which often rely on first-party studios, the Nex Playground has managed to amass an impressive library of games, educational experiences, and interactive entertainment from a wide range of partners. "We knew from the beginning that we couldn't do this alone," Lee said. "We needed to build a robust ecosystem of developers and content creators who could bring their unique visions to life on the Nex Playground." The team at Nex worked tirelessly to convince leading brands and studios to embrace the platform. They highlighted the potential of the Nex Playground's AI-powered technology to deliver entirely new types of interactive experiences, from virtual dance parties to educational programs that engaged children through movement and play. "A lot of it came down to education and collaboration," Lee explained. "We had to help these partners understand the capabilities of the Nex Playground and how they could leverage it to create truly innovative content. It was a back-and-forth process, but I think we've built some really exciting partnerships as a result." The Nex Playground's Subscription Model One of the unique aspects of the Nex Playground is its approach to content distribution. Rather than relying solely on individual game purchases, the platform offers a subscription-based model called the Nex PlayPass. "The PlayPass is essentially a Netflix-style subscription that gives users access to a constantly expanding library of games, experiences, and content," Lee said. "We wanted to make it easy for families to discover and enjoy a wide range of interactive experiences without having to buy each one individually." The Nex team sees this subscription model as a key differentiator, allowing them to provide more value and flexibility to users while also creating a sustainable revenue stream to support the platform's growth and development. "It's been really exciting to see how the PlayPass has resonated with our users," Lee noted. "They love the idea of having access to a constantly evolving catalog of content, and it's allowed us to experiment with new types of experiences that might not have worked as well with a traditional pay-per-title model." The Nex Playground's Unexpected Success The Nex Playground's rise to prominence has been somewhat unexpected, even for the team behind it. In November 2022, the device managed to outsell the Xbox, a remarkable feat for a relatively unknown product in the crowded gaming and entertainment market. "When we first started, I don't think anyone could have predicted the level of success we've seen with the Nex Playground," Lee admitted. "But I think it speaks to the hunger for new and innovative interactive experiences, especially in the living room space." The Nex Playground's ability to appeal to a wide range of users, from kids to parents to fitness enthusiasts, has been a key factor in its success. Its accessibility, affordability, and the breadth of content available through the PlayPass subscription have made it an attractive option for families looking to bring a new level of interactivity and entertainment into their homes. "We're really proud of what we've been able to accomplish with the Nex Playground," Lee said. "But we also know that this is just the beginning. We're constantly working to expand the platform, add new features, and collaborate with even more partners to bring even more incredible experiences to our users." As the Nex Playground continues to gain momentum and popularity, it's clear that this unassuming little device has the potential to shake up the gaming and entertainment landscape in the years to come. With its innovative approach to interactive experiences and its growing ecosystem of content, the Nex Playground may just be the surprise hit that redefines how we think about living room entertainment.