Android is infiltrating in yet another market sector. This time it’s the PC orientated for kids sector. We’ve seen the Android gaming platform OUYA (which is also a Kickstarter project), the Android TV box (the Smartdroid TV Box) and the tablet dedicated for learning to name a couple.
The MiiPC Kickstarter project has got some attention apparently, it receiving more than 50% (of the total of $50,000) of its funding target in just a couple of hours since it was posted on the site today (mostly due to the $10,000 customized manufacturing kits pledges)
Like any piece of hardware we talk about, among the most important aspect of it is its specifications. The MiiPC will have:
- Marvell New Armada Dual Core 1.2GHz SoC
- 1GB RAM
- 4GB Internal Memory (expandable via SD Slot and USB port)
- WiFi (802.11 b/g/n), Ethernet Port, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports, Speaker & Microphone Jack,
- HDMI (1080p/720p) output
Unfortunately, it will not come with peripherals of any kind (such as a monitor or keyboard). The specs are not quite stellar. There are mid-range smart phones with better hardware. But then again, this is addressed to parents that want a cheap solution to keep the kids off the more expensive laptops, tablets or smart phones and also have a device which has integrated a comprehensive parental control and monitoring system.
The MiiPC will also come with an Android and iOS companion app which will give parents the ability to check on their kids by streaming the device’s screen to the app, and also allowing parents to block various apps according to what the child is supposed to be doing (no more playing hooky on Youtube son, do your Science paper). If this will not be signaled in any way on the MiiPC interface, then please change the word “check” from above with “spy”.
I also found it funny that their solution to stop siblings from fighting over who gets to sit at the PC is having an account system (as seen in their commercial I embedded bellow). Like that will make the bigger brother or sister leave the sticky little brother keep using the PC.
The MiiPC is currently available for the starting price of $89 (for the Glossy White MiiPC color) which will ship by July the 15th. They also mentioned that for non-US orders, the shipping price will be $30.