The BBC unveiled the final design of a very small computer this week. The Lilliputian computer (called the micro:bit), looks like a Raspberry Pi but isn't, and will be distributed to millions of UK schoolchildren this coming October, giving them the chance to learn to code at a young age.
"We are happy, like giving children brushes when they are young, without experience - so it is with technology,” said Sinead Rocks, head of BBC Learning.
Continuing he said: “Είναι η πιο φιλόδοξη πρωτοβουλία μας για την education εδώ και 30 χρόνια.. Το micro:bit είναι σε θέση να συνδεθεί με τα πάντα, από κινητά τηλέφωνα μέχρι Raspberry Pi.”
The pocket calculator has a programmed array (5×5) of 25 red LED lights, two κουμπιά, και ένα ενσωματωμένο αισθητήρα κίνησης. Αντί να τροφοδοτείται από μια μπαταρία ρολογιού, το τελικό μοντέλο απαιτεί τη χρήση ενός τροφοδοτικού add-on to work even if there is no outlet nearby. This power supply will run on AA batteries.
Other features include a built-in compass (magnetometer), five inputs and outputs to connect the micro-bit to other devices using cables. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for connecting to other wireless devices.
Children who get the device will be able to learn simple encoding of the device from a special micro-bit website.
The micro: bit will be distributed free in October to children aged 11 and 12 who are enrolled in the school. Sponsors of projrct with the BBC are Microsoft and Samsung. After this initial acquaintance, computers will be marketed in the UK and elsewhere by the end of the year.
For more information on BBC's BBC plans for the device, see the videos below.
The first video below is a short hands-on with the computer, which was created by ARM, and the second, created by Microsoft UK, shows some of the features of the device.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sXCbs4YWbQ
