The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is teaming up with Microsoft and other tech companies to unveil the credit card-sized micro: bit mini computer, a tiny ARM-based single-board CPU that was manufactured for the education sector. BBC has announced that it will give away one million free pocket-sized Micro Bit units to elementary schoolchildren in the United Kingdom (UK), this October.
All 11 and 12-year-olds in the UK's 6th grade will get a micro computer. They will be free of charge.
BBC's tech giveaway will boost the schoolkids' knowledge about modern computing, making it easy for youngsters to write their own computer code, according to Christian Science Monitor. The computer is a 1.6-inch (40 mm) by two-inch (51 mm) mini device.
BBC compares the Micro Bit gadget to the BBC Micro mini computer. It launched that tiny machine in 1981.
The mico:bit is part of the BBC's "Make it Digital" initiative. It will be supported by videos, lessons, tutorials, and projects.
The computer board is equipped with a 32-bit ARM Cortex-MO processor, Bluetooth wireless Internet, and a digital compass, according to Computerworld. A connector allows an AAA battery holder.
Micro Bit also includes 5 bulky I/O rings. This allows other devices or sensors to be linked via banana plugs or clips.
The super-small computer also includes other features. Hardware components include a micro USB port and LED lights, while its software includes a messenger, scheduler, and image library.
One drawback of the micro:bit pocket computer is the limited capacity compared to other mini CPUs. That includes the Raspberry Pi.
For now the micro:bit is only available to UK schoolchildren. However, by the end of the year it will be on sale through a non-profit company.