Kano developed a platform that educates young children about computers and how to code apps and simple games. Although it’s designed for kids, adults can also benefit from the learnings that Kano offers. Aside from assembling the hardware, Kano computers are also packed with Kano software loaded with interactive tutorials and projects. Most of these tutorials are taught through stories and games, making learning engaging for kids.
The Hardware
Kano computer’s hardware is not built for extreme performance, but it’s decent enough for playing videos and low-end games, web-browsing, and other tasks of everyday computers. For years since Kano’s initial release, Raspberry Pi was powered until it joined forces with Microsoft and released its Windows-based PC in 2019. Either way, the Kano computer kit always includes illustrated instruction manuals, sheets of stickers, and case cards.
Raspberry Pi Generation
From its first release in 2014 until 2019, Raspberry Pi computers have been the heart of every Kano kit. Though its performance is on par with entry-level PCs, the Kano computer didn’t lag behind when it comes to evolution. Raspberry Pi 1 in its original kit moved up to Raspberry 2 and Raspberry Pi 3 in its subsequent releases to keep up with the demand for faster speed. The kit also included Kano’s signature bright orange wireless keyboard, yellow HDMI cable, red USB power supply, blue USB speaker, green dongle for wireless connectivity, orange USB sound sensor, and a small board, a red power button, and an SD card loaded with Kano OS. The kit also contains a cable block to keep the cables neat and organized. Connect all these together, and you have an orchestra of colorful components at the bottom of the display, all wrapped in a transparent and durable plastic casing. Two-in-one kits were also made available with the Computer Kit Complete and Computer Kit Touch that come with 10.1″ displays that are convertible to tablets.
The Kano PC
In 2019, Kano waved goodbye to Raspberry Pi after it collaborated with Microsoft. As the 2-in1 unit is now called, the Kano PC features an Intel Celeron N4000, UHD Graphics, 4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMC, and Micro SD card for storage, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also comes with two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port for charging the battery, and an HDMI port. The touchscreen display is slightly larger than its predecessor at 11.6″ with a 720p resolution. As can be seen from the specs, the performance is still not that spectacular but will do great for everyday computer tasks.
Assembly time is much shorter since most components are already on the board. There are only two things to connect to the new Kano PC, the blue speaker that connects to the 3.5mm audio port and the red battery. Despite this, Kano didn’t lose its educational flair since all the board components are labeled, so children learn a little more about computers during the assembly. The bottom casing is the same transparent and sturdy plastic that can be easily snapped to the display’s bottom. The keyboard retained its bright orange color and is now affixed to a magnetic keyboard dock with magnetic pins to hold the display securely when attached. The keyboard cover is also magnetic, which can be folded to support the display when on laptop mode. The trackpad is wider and was moved down to the bottom of the keyboard, unlike in previous generations where it sat right beside keys.
The Software
Kano is known for ready-to-build PCs and for educational, interactive, and insightful pre-loaded software. Previously installed with a Linux-based operating system, it switched lanes after teaming up with Microsoft, and the Kano PC has Windows OS in full run.
Kano OS
Kano computers powered by Raspberry Pi were running on Kano OS, a Raspbian-based, Linux operating system. Like any other computer, it will ask you to set-up the device with user accounts and Wi-Fi connection on the first boot-up. It will also ask you to go through a sound test all done in a true Kano fashion – kid-friendly and interactive. Kano computers are specifically known for the Story Mode, an interesting application exclusive to the computer kit that guides the kids to Raspberry Pi’s different components. In addition, it also serves as a portal for games and challenges like Hack Minecraft, Makes Pong, and Make Snake. Kano computers are also stuffed with Kano Code, Kano’s code learning system, which teaches the fundamentals of coding. Kids hone their coding skills through code blocks – drag-and-drop tools that make coding easier to understand. Other applications are pre-installed in the kit, and tons of other applications are available in Kano’s online database.
Windows-based Kano PC
The switch to Windows OS is a big leap for Kano, but it seems like a worthy feat. The new generation Kano PC is loaded with Windows 10 Home. Like the previous generations, there are also pre-installed educational applications on the new computer. The Raspberry-related Story Mode has been replaced by How Computers Work, which contains significant information about computer parts with the inclusion of binary coding. Low-end games like Minecraft are also pre-installed, and coding lessons are still made available through the Kano Code.
Kano’s venture into creating simple, build-it-yourself computers with education in mind became a huge success. Despite the big switch to Windows, Kano did not divert from its goal of fostering a child’s mind in learning technology in an enjoyable, fun, and playful way.
