Programming is becoming increasingly popular amongst the next generation of leaders (children) and organizations like code.org and Girls Who Code are leading the way in spreading the message. Currently, we have a ton of online MOOCs about programming as well as SBCs like the Raspberry Pi (learn how to buy the Pi 2 in Malaysia here).

Well, say hello to the Micro:bit which is apparently going to be the next big thing for children to learn how to code. Whilst it is not as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 2 nor does it have a big community like the Arduino, BBC (it's creator) plans to distribute this board to children aged 11 or 12 for free (only in the UK).

As for the board itself, the Micro:bit is more of a sensor board than an actual computer. Built in the board is sensors like a magnetometer and an accelerometer, programmable push buttons and also a 25 LED array. By itself, users will be able to program the board through a web based tool created by Microsoft and for further learning, the BBC Micro:bit can also be plugged to the Raspberry Pi, Arduino and Intel Galileo.

Given the size of the board, the Micro:bit will require and external power source from either a microUSB cable or a battery pack with a JST plug.

As i said earlier, BBC plans to give 1 million units of this board for free to children aged 11 or 12 in the UK. Once, they're done with that, BBC will start licensing the design of the Micro:bit to third party vendors and only then will we know how much this tiny board will cost.

SOURCE: BBC