Roger Fingas
Microsoft is partnering with company called Kano on the "Kano PC," an 11.6-inch touchscreen tablet meant to teach kids how computers work and how to use them for simple coding projects.
The device comes broken into several components, which kids have to assemble before it can run. Once it's on a "How Computers Work" app teaches more about computer architecture, as well as things like creating emoji with binary code. Also preloaded are coding and art apps such as Kano Projects, with options to share finished apps on the free Kano World social network.
The machine uses a 1.44-gigahertz quad-core Intel Atom processor, paired with 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 gigabytes of flash storage, expandable via microSD. Other specifications include two USB ports, Bluetooth 4.2, a 3.5mm audio jack, and dual-band 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. A keyboard case is bundled for typing.
The Kano PC should soon be available to preorder for $299.99, but will only ship to the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. on Oct. 21.
The product could potentially eat into Apple's iPad sales, though likely to a limited degree since the iPad is a fully-assembled product meant for a wide range of classwork. Apple has however tried to insert its Swift programming language into all levels of education, something the Kano PC could better challenge if it catches on.
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9 Comments
Assembling this thing will likely teach the kids nothing. The "how computers work" program will probably be less effective that any number of YouTube vids on the topic. Overall, it's a silly gimmicky idea and a waste of money. Sorry if I sound bitter, I once bought my son a "build your own camera" kit with a similar educational message. Took 5 minutes to "build" and was a piece of trash. May as well have burned $100.
Teaches kids how to be contract assembly line workers. Fun! /s
Wait. What? I thought ChromeBooks had the education market all wrapped up. Weren’t we told that no school buys Apple anymore? How can Microsoft compete with Apple compete in a market that doesn’t include Apple? /s
I'm all for doing whatever it takes to light a spark in the next generation of technologists but this kit is no commercial threat at all to iPad on the high end or Raspberry Pi on the low end. But that's not even the point. If someone can actually come up with a "spark" that really makes a big difference I'm sure Tim Cook and all of Apple would celebrate its success even if it wasn't their product and even if it significantly cut into current iPad sales. The ensuing rise in the tide and broad industry growth driven by a wave of enthusiastic and capable young people interested in pursuing technology careers would dwarf the marginal reductions in current product revenues. Gotta look at the big picture.