Qiyi Smart Timer connects directly to the smartphone and therefore you do not need a smart cube. The timer works just like any other speedcubing timer. We have included a section on “How to use a Speedcubing timer” below. The big difference here is that you can directly save your times in your smartphone and do not have to transfer them in any way or connect the timer to the computer. But if you would like to connect the timer to a computer, it has a sutiable 2.5 mm port. The port can also be used to connect the timer to an external display.
The app
Compared to apps from GAN and Moyu, this app is much more user-friendly with a nice interface. The app is free and is called Smart Player and is available for Android and iOS. You can download the app and test it right now since there is a mode to time solves directly, without an external timer. The app is available in English and Chinese.
Getting Started
The first thing you see when you open the app is text in Chinese. It’s a message asking if you agree to their terms. You press the right button to accept and the left button to decline. To log in, enter your email. Then click on “send code” on the line below, and you will receive a code to your e-mail. Then enter the code in the field to log in. Once you’ve logged in, you can choose your own password in the app. To connect the timer to the app, click on “Physical timer”. At the bottom of the screen you will see “Click to Connect Timer”. The physical timer needs to be on for this to work.
Functions etc.
- See averages directly on the physical timer (5 and 12)
- See all possible different averages and statistics in the app
- Inspection time (WCA)
- Audible warning at 8 and 12 second inspection (optional)
- Use with any cube
- Scrambles
- See scrambles with images
- See optimal cross and x-cross for the generated scrambles
- Adding penalties like +2 and DNF.
- Scrambles for all WCA puzzles.
- Use the app as a timer
- Graphs
- See world ranking
- Enter times manually
- Mobile stand for your phone
- Runs on AAA batteries (not included)
In the app there are also a lot of settings to adapt to your wishes. The app may get more updates with more features in the future according to the manufacturer.
How to use a Speedcubing timer
Start the timer, place your hands on the sensors on the right and left side and wait until the green light turns on. When you lift your hands from the sensors to start solving your cube, time starts. When you are done with your solve, quickly place your hands on the sensors again and the time will stop. To time another solve, just press the reset button.
The timer is not compatible with Yuxin, Speedstacks and Qiyi mats.