The day is July 14, 2020. Kano today began worldwide sales of its next-generation Kano PC, a beautiful, buildable, and powerful educational computer.
A recent partnership with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and investment has fueled Kano, at a time when laptop sales are up more than 50 percent year over year.
Available for $299 and developed over more than 12,000 hours of testing, the Kano PC is designed for the next generation of computing:
- Open Design: The Kano PC’s sturdy, modular parts increase device lifetime.
- Status lights shine through the transparent machine, demystifying what’s inside.
- It has a large 11.6” touchscreen that withstands a steel ball dropped from six feet. All the parts click into the back.
- Creative Learning: Kano PC’s software suite of apps for Windows 10 opens up design, coding, 3D modeling, and more to all ages. The Windows Start Menu populates with creative projects and tutorial videos. Windows privacy and family safety tools come as standard. Teachers have a year of curriculum available.
- Power: The 2-in-1 device now performs better than many more expensive laptops in independent NovaBench testing. This is the first affordable computer that can be upgraded, rather than thrown away.
The Kano PC delivers modern skills for the “entry price” of a PC alone. New educational standards worldwide haven’t come with new government funding. Part of Kano’s solution is to provide a device that in and of itself delivers creative and technical learning.
“The Education sector is undergoing massive change enabled by technology, and our collaboration with Kano is truly advancing the vision of “technology for all,” said Jordan Chrysafidis, General Manager, Worldwide Education Device Sales, Microsoft. “Together we are delivering high quality, accessible and affordable Windows-based devices, combined with a customized curriculum that teaches design, coding, 3D modeling, and more, that enables Kano users to become digital creators.”
Kano’s Software Studio onboard connects computing to practical projects, history, and the arts. The device runs full Windows 10 with custom educational tools, out of the box.
“The new Kano PC is coming out at a crucial time,“ said Alex Klein, Cofounder & CEO of Kano. “We believe in a better future. The team at Microsoft shares our optimism. Together we make technology that opens minds and sparks creation, not just consumption.”
“The current climate has generated high demand for affordable technology and devices, as governments rally to enable home learning scenarios for pupils and students,” said Adris Ahmed, Channel Lead, Device Partner Solution Sales, Microsoft UK & Ireland. “Kano is well-positioned to help with this demand. Their highly differentiated proposition combines a unique device that enables children to build elements themselves whilst reducing e-waste, all complemented with exclusive software, services, and curriculum.”
The device is also far more sustainable than most laptops. A third of schools throw out rather than fix devices — even if only one part of the computer — most commonly the battery, keyboard, or speaker — has aged. Computers and IT produce 3.5 million tons of e-waste worldwide every year, according to the UN and TheWorldCounts. In the US alone, schools spend more than $3.78 billion each year on new devices, which could easily be repaired, with one click.
Kano is also now shipping the PC into Japan, where the government is buying more than three million devices of all kinds for every child in 2020, as at-home learning surges. As Microsoft’s new OEM partner, Kano will be competing with the largest OEMs worldwide for these units. In the UAE, Kano is working to distribute the device with the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum.
“We designed, together with kids and adults, a simple, transparent, and powerful computer, along with a rich suite of bespoke accessories that would be functional, educational — and warm,” said Bruno Schillinger, Lead Product Designer at Kano.
The Kano PC is now available for order — click here — and through Best Buy, on the Kano website, and at Microsoft Stores online.
