The new BBC micro:bit has a built-in speaker, microphone, supports AI and machine learning while still having all the key features today's users are born to love.
London, UK, October 13, 2020 – OKdo, the global technology company of Electrocomponents plc, today announced that it has partnered with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation to distribute the new micro:bit. Through its extensive distribution network, OKdo will support the Foundation's goal of expanding the reach of the BBC micro:bit, so that every child around the world has the chance to learn digital creativity and computer skills.
Gareth Stockdale, CEO of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, explains: “We launched the micro:bit to help children shape the world around them using computational thinking and technology to unleash their creative potential and enhance their life choices in the XNUMXst century. We are very happy to partner with OKdo and Electrocomponentes because they have the ability to help us reach new markets, inspire new generations and support our goals for the Micro:bit Educational Foundation.”
The first significant upgrade since its launch in 2016, this new revision of the pocket-sized BBC micro:bit now features a speaker and microphone. With its enhanced audio and voice capabilities, kids can expand their creative abilities while continuing to benefit from all the features and functionality of the original micro:bit. Hands-on learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, is an essential part of children developing a passion for new technologies early on in their educational development. To support this, the micro:bit hardware is now powerful enough to run machine learning systems, and the Foundation will support this with new resources in the future, again significantly expanding the range of learning opportunities possible from now on. affordable, affordable and compact computer.
Lindsley Ruth, CEO of Electrocomponents, comments: “We are delighted to partner with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation and to support the release of version 2 of Micro:bit BBC. Since its launch in 2016, the micro:bit has helped more than 25 million children learn computer science and digital creativity skills, and we are excited to make our contribution to extend the reach of the micro:bit and put it in everyone's hands. children, either through OKdo, or through our global distribution networks at RS Components and Allied Electronics in North America. Our participation in the Micro:bit Educational Foundation is at the heart of our own ambitions to provide technology solutions that can change the world."
OKdo was created in 2019 and its mission is simple; inspire and enable people to use technology to make their lives better. The company is committed to working with the world's best edtech organizations to empower kids to code and inspire a future generation of inventors, entrepreneurs and engineers.
Richard Curtin, OKdo's Senior Vice President of Technology, explains: “We are excited about this new partnership with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, which shares our passion for putting technology in the hands of everyone and inspiring children around the world to create their best digital futures. They are absolute pioneers and we are very proud to add them to our growing ecosystem of the best tech businesses in the world.”
The new version of the micro:bit will be available from mid-November and can be purchased from OKdo, as well as its sister companies – RS Components worldwide and Allied Electronics in North America. For more information and to pre-order, please contact sales@okdo.com or visit: okdo.com/microbit
