Kano partnered with Microsoft to launch the Kano PC — a new kit for kids to build their own Windows-based computer.
The 11.6-inch touch-enabled, Intel Atom powered tablet/laptop comes with a step-by-step storybook to guide kids through the process of connecting the parts. Kids will see the LEDs on the printed circuit board light up and explore labeled components, which will be housed in a transparent case. Once completed, Kano’s How Computers Work app will guide kids through fun activities that will teach them how various functions work and interact.
“We should all have a guide, the opportunity to make a computer, to customize it, and take control of the technology that makes up our society,” says Kano’s Alex Klein. “We are thrilled to share this vision with Microsoft and co-create a learning, making, and playing experience with the power of Windows and the creativity of Kano.”
Kano and Microsoft will back and support the Kano PC experience with hundreds of hours of curriculum.
The kit comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 in S mode, is compatible with Office Suite, and includes optimized software with parent/teacher dashboards to serve as a safe creative tool for home and school. Kano PC will also ship with Minecraft: Education Edition, which can be activated with the purchase of the applicable Microsoft 365 licenses or standalone Minecraft: Education Edition license when Kano PC hits retail on October 21 in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
Kano PC Includes:
- Make Art – Learn to code high-quality images in Coffeescript
- Kano App – Make almost anything, including magic effects and adventurous worlds, with simple steps and programming fundamentals
- Paint 3D – Make and share 3D models and send them out for printing
- Microsoft Teams – To get new projects and content, and to share your work
- Kano Projects – Personalized projects on coding and creativity delivered directly to your dashboard
Kano PC Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Atom x5-Z8350 Quad core 1.44 GHz
- Memory: 4GB RAM DDR3L
- Storage: 64GB (eMMC) – Upgradable via Micro SD slot
- Connectivity: 2x USB ports (1x 3.0, 1x 2.0), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Dual Band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2 (low energy)
- Video: 11.6-inch touchscreen. 1x HDMI port
- Audio: 3.5mm Headphone Jack, 3.5mm Speaker Level Jack, 1x Microphone
- Software: Windows 10 in S mode, How Computers Work, Make Art, Kano App, Paint 3D, Microsoft Teams, Kano Projects
- Accessories: Keyboard, Cover
- Other: Status LED set: 1x power on (red), 1x barrel connector (red), 1x battery connected – USB C (red), 2x USB ports ON LED (green), 1x Headphone ON LED (blue), 1x HDMI – (yellow), 1x micro SD (green), 1x speaker ON LED (blue), 1x microphone (blue)
