Micro:bit — A Pocket-sized Programmable Computer
The BBC has unveiled the final design of the Micro:bit — a pocket-sized computer board designed to lure U.K. school children to embedded electronics.

The Micro:bit is essentially a codeable computer that lets kids get creative with technology. It measures 5cm by 4cm and will be available in different colors.

The idea behind the Micro:bit is to encourage young children to learn how computers work, and to get kids into programming and engineering at the young age.
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What does this tiny little computer contain?


The Micro:bit, made in collaboration with ARM, Barclays, element14, Freescale, Lancaster University, Microsoft, Nordic Semiconductor, Samsung and the Wellcome Trust, contains:
  • A 32-bit ARM Cortex M0 CPU
  • Programmable Array of 25 red LEDs
  • Micro USB port through which it can be powered
  • Three input-output (I/O) Ring Connectors to hook it up to other kits and sensors
  • Bluetooth for connectivity
  • A 3V output connector to power external devices
  • A 20-pin edge connector
  • Two on-board buttons that can act as a game controller
  • A battery connector which connects to a separate AAA battery holder
  • An accelerometer to make a hi-tech spirit level
  • In-built Compass

The series of 25 programmable red LEDs lights is designed to help children get instant results, and its input/output (I/O) rings help connect other computing kit, including the Raspberry Pi, Galileo, Arduino, Kano and littleBits, to carry out more complex tasks.

The Micro:bit is programmed through a modified version of Microsoft's TouchDevelop Web-based coding environment. Microsoft also provided two coding languages – The text-based Microsoft TouchDevelop and a graphical coding language Microsoft Blocks.

The BBC Micro:bit is almost 18 times faster and about 600 times lighter than the original BBC Micro, which celebrated its 33rd birthday recently.

When would you get Micro:bit?


BBC is planning to distribute over 1 Million Micro:bit devices for Free to every Year 7 (11 or 12 year-old) child or equivalent at the school across the UK in October this year.

By the end of this year, the general public will also be able to purchase Micro:bit. Although the cost has not been announced yet, Micro:bit will be cheap.

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