element14 announces public availability of the BBC micro:bit
- A tiny, programmable device to get children and adults coding
- Fun and easy-to-use, but also flexible and powerful
- Offers an introduction to the world of technology for kids of all ages
- Available for pre-order in the UK from just £12.99
The BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized programmable device that can be coded and controlled to bring ideas, games, and projects to life, is being made available to buy in the UK by element14, manufacturing partner for the BBC micro:bit project. The widespread availability follows the gifting of the BBC micro:bit to up to one million school children in Year 7 (or equivalent) across the UK, to inspire them to get creative with coding, programming and digital technology.
The BBC micro:bit can be pre-ordered from element14, the Microsoft Store, Technology Will Save Us, Kitronic and Sciencescope and other resellers. Prices range from £12.99 for a single BBC micro:bit; £14.99 for the starter kit ‘BBC micro:bit Go’, which includes a BBC micro:bit, mini USB, battery pack and four project ideas to get users started; and £140.00 for a ‘BBC micro:bit Club’ pack, which includes 10 devices and everything needed to get a coding club started.
The BBC micro:bits will ship in July so children and parents can take advantage of the summer holidays to begin their journey into coding.
The BBC and partners launched the BBC micro:bit in March 2016, aiming to inspire a new generation of digital pioneers, and building on the ground-breaking role of the BBC Micro, which helped introduce the nation to computing in the 1980s.
Measuring only 4cm by 5cm, and available in four colours, the BBC micro:bit has been designed to be a fun and easy-to-use introduction to the world of technology and is packed with features that provide endless possibilities for creativity:
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25 red LEDs – light them up, flash messages, create games, and invent digital stories
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Two programmable buttons – associate them with an action and interact with your projects
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On-board motion detector – just like a smartphone; the BBC micro:bit can react to shakes, tilts, and even drops
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A built-in compass – sense which direction you’re facing and your movement in degrees
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Bluetooth Smart Technology and Low Energy – connect to the internet and the world around you, whether that’s other BBC micro:bits, phones, cameras, or tablets to ‘code on the go’ or take selfies
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Five Input and Output rings – connect the BBC micro:bit directly to other devices using crocodile clips or 4mm banana plugs, and send commands back and forth
The device is supported by a website, www.microbit.co.uk, that features a range of resources and tutorials to help teachers, parents and students take advantage of the BBC micro:bit’s vast potential. The BBC micro:bit can also be coded direct from your smartphone, with apps available for Android and iOS designed by Samsung and ScienceScope respectively.
The BBC micro:bit is a great way to begin your journey with coding - but it’s not just for children. We believe that the BBC micro:bit will also be in demand amongst adults who want to have a go at coding and makers looking to complement their existing projects. As we make the BBC micro:bit available to buy we challenge the UK to have some fun with coding.
The BBC micro:bit can be used in conjunction with other single board computers to increase potential applications and expand opportunities, for example utilising the bluetooth technology within the BBC micro:bit to create a tiny, handheld remote control for games or vehicles built on your Raspberry Pi, Beaglebone Black or Arduino board.
The UK is facing a very real issue with a skills shortage in the areas of coding, digital technology and engineering. We want to encourage children to learn about technology, get creative and truly appreciate the possibilities it offers them. We live in a world already dominated by computers, but our next generation will see this even more, as the Internet of Things is established in our homes and an ever-increasing amount of what we do is monitored, tracked or managed by technology.
We believe that the BBC micro:bit is a foundational programme that will support a new generation of digital makers. This is why we are helping to extend the project by making it available through the Microsoft store.
We want everyone beyond Year 7 to have the opportunity to own a BBC micro:bit and we are proud to be providing the programming capabilities for all the friends, families, clubs and schools who choose to buy one.
The element14 community provides additional support, including projects for the BBC micro:bit, in a community forum where you can ask questions and seek advice from its 400,000 engineer members. Find out more by visiting www.element14.com/microbit.
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Farnell Global is a fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance and repair. From research and design through prototype to production, Farnell helps its customers access the products and services they need 24/7. With more than 80 years of experience, 47 localised websites, and a dedicated team of over 3,500 employees, Farnell provides every component its customers need to build the technology of tomorrow.
Farnell Global trades as Farnell in Europe, Newark in North America, and element14 in Asia Pacific. It also sells direct to consumers through its CPC business in the UK.
Farnell Global has been part of the established global technology distributor, Avnet (Nasdaq: AVT), since 2016. Today, this relationship allows the company to support its customers at every stage of the product life cycle, offering a truly unique distribution model, as well as expertise in end-to-end delivery and product design.
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