Adafruit has announced the availability and arrival of the BBC micro:bit development board to their online store, which is now available to purchase for $14.95.
The micro:bit hardware is based on the ARM-mbed platform in the form of a ARM Cortex-M0 32 bit processor and supports Bluetooth 4.1 with Bluetooth low energy connectivity.
Features and Capabilities
The BBC micro:bit is packed with features that make it an excellent tool for learning and experimentation. It includes a 5×5 LED matrix that can display messages, two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist, and an accelerometer to detect movement and tilt. Additionally, it has a built-in compass, which can be used for navigation or to create interactive projects that respond to the direction the micro:bit is facing.
One of the standout features of the micro:bit is its ability to connect to other devices and sensors. With Bluetooth 4.1 support, it can communicate with smartphones, tablets, and other micro:bits. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating connected projects, such as a remote-controlled robot or a weather station that sends data to your phone.
Educational Impact
The BBC micro:bit was designed with education in mind, specifically to introduce children and beginners to the world of programming and electronics. Its user-friendly design and extensive online resources make it an ideal starting point for anyone interested in learning how to code. The micro:bit website offers a wealth of tutorials, project ideas, and coding examples that cater to all skill levels.
For educators, the micro:bit provides a hands-on learning experience that can be integrated into various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By working on micro:bit projects, students can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining a practical understanding of programming concepts.
The British Invasion is here! No, not music…microcontrollers! New to the USA is the newest and easiest way to learn programming and electronics – the BBC micro:bit. Designed specifically for kids and beginners, the micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that you can code, customize and control to bring your digital ideas, games and apps to life. It’s a small, code-able device that is a non-intimidating introduction to programming and making – switch on, program it to do something fun – wear it, customize it, develop new ideas.
The micro:bit platform combines the ‘bit, a pocket-sized coding device featuring several sensors and LEDs, with an awesome website full of coding examples and projects. Start out with the video tutorials, then check out the ideas page to get creative. From making your own games to taking selfies, the possibilities are endless!
Real-World Applications
Beyond the classroom, the micro:bit has found applications in various real-world scenarios. Hobbyists and makers use it to prototype new inventions, while developers appreciate its simplicity and versatility for quick testing of ideas. For example, you can create a fitness tracker that monitors your steps and activity levels, or a smart home device that controls lights and appliances based on environmental conditions.
The micro:bit’s affordability and ease of use have also made it popular in community and outreach programs aimed at promoting digital literacy. Organizations around the world are using the micro:bit to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
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