Marvell has unveiled their new Smile Plug Computer at CES today, which it has created to slot into a power outlet and send its own local content out to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The Smile has been initially designed for use in classrooms and provides what Marvell calls “Classroom 3.0.”
Marvell worked with Stanford University to produce the Marvell Smile Plug, which has been named after the Stanford Mobile Inquiry Based Learning Environment program. This innovative device creates a “micro cloud” wireless network within a classroom that is completely controlled by the teacher.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Marvell SMILE is powered by a Marvell Armada 300 CPU that can run at up to 2GHz, ensuring robust performance for various educational applications. It is equipped with 512MB of DDR3 RAM, which provides sufficient memory for running multiple tasks simultaneously. Additionally, the device includes 512MB of Flash memory for storing essential software and data.
For those needing extra storage, the Smile Plug Computer features an SD card slot that supports additional storage up to 32GB. This flexibility allows teachers to store more educational content, applications, and student data directly on the device.
The SMILE Plug also comes equipped with a Marvell Avastar 88W8764 Wi-Fi chip, which is capable of broadcasting 802.11n signals to clients. This ensures a reliable and fast wireless connection, enabling seamless interaction between the teacher’s device and students’ Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Classroom Applications and Benefits
The primary aim of the Marvell Smile Plug is to revolutionize the traditional classroom setting by introducing a more interactive and controlled learning environment. By creating a micro cloud network, teachers can easily share educational content, assignments, and multimedia resources with their students. This setup not only enhances the learning experience but also ensures that all students have access to the same resources simultaneously.
One of the significant advantages of the Smile Plug is its ease of use. Teachers can quickly set up the device by plugging it into a power outlet, and it immediately starts broadcasting its network. This simplicity means that even educators with limited technical expertise can effectively use the device to enhance their teaching methods.
Moreover, the Smile Plug supports various educational software and applications, making it a versatile tool for different subjects and teaching styles. For instance, teachers can use interactive quizzes, digital textbooks, and multimedia presentations to make lessons more engaging and informative.
Another notable benefit is the device’s ability to operate independently of the school’s main network. This independence ensures that the classroom network remains stable and secure, free from potential disruptions or security breaches that might affect the broader school network.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet by Marvell, but we will update you when any information is released.
Source: Venturebeat
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