When former journalist Alex Klein embarked on the journey of co-founding Kano, he had big aspirations for the venture, saying, “Regardless of how you view software and the world of tech, no matter if you find it intimidating, geeky or inscrutable, we aim to convince you that it’s just another medium, not unlike clay or paint.”
Kano is not just a typical product on the market; it’s a game-changer. It’s a computer and coding kit, ingeniously devised to make anyone, regardless of their tech experience, capable of building a computer following uncomplicated step-by-step instructions. This disruptive device poses a major challenge to a traditional electronics industry, where the standard is to deliver fully sealed devices that offer minimal user serviceability.
The heart of Kano is built around a Raspberry Pi, which is a compact computer roughly the size of a credit card that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. This small yet powerful device can execute various tasks that your desktop PC does, like working on spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games, among others. Even more impressive is its ability to play high-definition video smoothly. The beautiful simplicity of Kano’s inventive DIY kit lies in its seamless integration with all the peripherals and software you need to have a complete computer system. Once built, it presents a unique platform to learn coding.
Kano operates on a customized version of Debian Linux called Kano OS, inspired by game console dashboards. This operating system is designed to present a welcoming environment, making the potentially intimidating world of Linux user-friendly while improving the Raspberry Pi’s performance.
Kano comes equipped with its proprietary visual programming environment cleverly dubbed as Kano Blocks. This innovative software introduces the user to the fascinating world of programming by modifying games. To make the process more engaging, the setup and usage of the machine is presented as a series of game levels for the user to navigate through. A year’s worth of rigorous product testing with children has paved the way for its user-friendly design, however, it is not strictly a child’s device – users of all ages can find it equally engaging and beneficial.
“We designed this with children as they are most likely to have no prior experience with such technology, much like most adults,” states Klein. “Our guiding spirit has always been Lego – a tool known for its simplicity, engagement, and creativity. We envisioned creating something that mirrors the step-by-step, responsive and enjoyable process of Lego. You assemble the small pieces yourself and can combine them in complex ways.”
Kano Blocks outputs code in JavaScript and Python, two programming languages renowned for their simplicity and ease of learning. The real marvel of Kano kit lies in its ability to democratize a process that is typically reserved for individuals with specialized degrees. This holds especially true for customers in developing nations with a young, agile population and limited educational resources. The founders are taking a truly global approach to marketing, offering documentation in several languages, including Arabic and Spanish. As stated on their website, the company extends their shipping coverage to several countries including Japan, Israel, and Brazil.
At $100 per kit, Kano presents a valuable investment opportunity for tech enthusiasts of all ages. You can get one here.
This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.
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