The Raspberry Pi Foundation[1] has been incredibly successful at sparking all sorts of creativity via its low cost microcomputers, which arrived in the market back in 2012. Its core electronics are also indirectly responsible for UK-based learn-to-code startups like Kano[2] and pi-top[3], which have built devices and VC-backed businesses atop Pi.
Well here’s another UK startup using Pi electronics as the foundation for an edtech business idea. Their device-in-the-making Pip[4], which is currently raising crowdfunds on Kickstarter[5], is powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module[6] set within a handheld console gaming casing that packs a touchscreen, plus speaker, control buttons, multiple ports and even some colored LEDs.
The idea is to engage kids with a retro games device which also doubles as a code learning environment via a browser-based platform the team are also building, called Curiosity. A second strand to their concept will invite budding hardware hackers to get plugging and playing via a connector on the console that can be used with a maker expansion pack with a breadboard attachment for tinkering with and learning about electronics components.
The team says their software platform will support coding in JavaScript, Python, Lua, HTML/CSS and PHP. While the device will be bundled with step-by- step tutorials to “show the basics” — from coding Snake, to making LEDs flash, to, they claim, “programing smart devices”.
That’s the grand vision. For now Pip remains a prototype — and the Glasgow, UK based startup still needs to reach its £30k funding goal on Kickstarter, though it’s already around half way there after a few days running the campaign. Early bird pre-order pricing is £150, with the intended future...