The new micro:bit(v2)! So, what's new and different?
Over the past few years, we have seen the micro:bit grow into one of the most useful programming tools available. Now, it has been a...
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Get creative with coding &
develop core STEAM skills
with BBC micro:bit!
Meet the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized codeable computer that you can customise and control –
simply connect programme it to light up, and make your very own ideas, games and apps come to life.
The micro:bit is the most recent project by the BBC in an effort to bring computer science education and STEM topics to every student across the globe. It is an open development board that works in sync with other onboard hardware components to get you started down the path of programming hardware.
How does it work?
Simply switch it on, code, light it up and tell it what it you want it to do. It can be programmed with the drag and drop interface Microsoft MakeCode with the option to progress into MicroPython later on, opening up to more programming possibilities!
Other features include a built-in compass, motion detector, BLE and rings to connect sensors, so you can plug the BBC micro:bit in to your life. Use it as a games controller, or count your footsteps each day. Use it to measure temperature, moisture or even control a motor. Gold-tabbed edge connectors allows to connect with external components.
The new micro:bit
is here!
Now comes with built-in microphone and speaker!
Same great features, easier ways to use sound and
touch to get creative in the classroom
What's new with micro:bit v2?
Sense & react to sound with the built-in microphone
Play sound with the
built-in speaker
Capacitive touch sensor
(a bit like your phone!)
Power saving mode
More computing power
Read more about micro:bit v2 release!
Software development & compatibility
Microsoft’s MakeCode editor is the perfect way to start programming and get creating with the BBC micro:bit.
The drag and drop interface with colour-coded blocks is suitable for beginners, yet powerful enough to access all the features of this tiny computer.
micro:bit is also compatible with arrays of other code editors, such as Python, Scratch and Switch. It also has mobile apps that let you program your micro:bit using MakeCode, transferring the codes via Bluetooth.
The latest micro:bit will fit right in to your existing lessons and materials; all the existing MakeCode blocks and MicroPython code will work in the same way as they do on the original micro:bit. The previous micro:bit will also continue to work just as it did before. More features, including easy ways to take AI and ML into the classroom, will be released throughout 2021. Watch this space.
Featured Products
micro:bit v2 (Board)
PRE-ORDER
micro:bit v2, a pocket-sized computer that you can code, customise and control to bring your digital ideas, games and apps to life. Now packed with more powerful new processor that has tons more capability and also adds more sensing with a new speaker and microphone!
It's the same size and shape as the original micro:bit so you can use the same accessories you already own and will fit right into existing lesson plans and materials for previous micro:bit boards.
micro:bit v2 Go
Starter Pack
PRE-ORDER
micro:bit Go bundle is the perfect starter kit for the BBC micro:bit v2. It includes everything you need to begin learning about hardware and software, even a little USB cable and batteries. No programming or hardware experience is necessary!
micro:bit Go Starter Pack comes included with batteries, battery holder, and microUSB cable.
micro:bit v2 Club
10-pack Kit
PRE-ORDER
This is the micro:bit v2 Club 10-Pack. This is perfect kit for the whole classroom. Comes with 10 pair ofbatteries, 10 battery holders, and 10 microUSB cables. You'll get enough parts for 10 makers or 20 makers working paired up.
Microsoft MakeCode
MakeCode editor is the perfect way to start programming and get creating with the BBC micro:bit. The colour-coded blocks are familiar to anyone who’s previously used Scratch, and yet powerful enough to access all the features of this tiny computer. You can also switch to JavaScript to see the text-based code behind the blocks.
Python
Python is a great way to deepen your programming skills through text-based coding. Its natural English-like structure makes it easy to start learning, but it’s also powerful enough to be used in areas like data science and machine learning.
Scratch
Scratch is loved by children and adults the world over. For many, Scratch is their first introduction to programming from around age 8 and up.
You can integrate micro:bit into your Scratch projects. You’ll need a laptop or computer with Bluetooth and Scratch Link installed, then follow the links below to get started or explore our Scratch projects.
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