It is finished! LittleBits (a set of electronics for beginners), finally got access to the Internet. An extensive collection of magnetic modules has been added to the long-awaited CloudBit transmitter. If someone doesn't know, LittleBits is something like a LEGO for adults. LittleBits is a set of modular blocks of electronic components from the category of "do it yourself".



LittleBits sets include a lot of miniature modules: various buttons, servos, speakers, dimmers, switches, diodes and adapters that are assembled into an electrical circuit without using soldering. Regular magnets are used to connect the modules, allowing you to create a wide variety of gadgets in a matter of minutes - from original children's toys to very complex robots working on the Arduino. However, the latter will require user programming skills.
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In the new Smart Home Kit, users will find six fresh modules, including a network adapter, mp3 player, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a miniature LCD display, and a wireless network module that supports the Wi-Fi 802.11 protocol. As planned by the creators, this set can be used not only for exciting experiments in the field of electronics, but also as a partial replacement for the new-fangled “smart home” systems.

Of course, with professional "smart electronics", like Nest and Sonos, it is too early for the "bits" to fight. But the very idea of ​​providing the user with extremely flexible tools for automating their living space is arousing enthusiasm.



With a relatively low cost (the claimed price is only $ 249), one set of SmartHome Kit can replace hundreds of special electronic devices, such as a remote control for home appliances or tricky burglar alarms that react to a dog barking. The presence of the Internet module makes the designer's possibilities almost limitless, giving the user access to dozens of different mobile applications and allowing you to manage your modular gadgets using a tablet or smartphone.



For example, users suffering from attacks of amnesia, can in a few minutes build from the magnetic modules useful "guard of the refrigerator." The device will react to the temperature rise in the refrigerating chamber and automatically send an sms-message to the owner's number, warning that he again forgot to close the door.

In general, for the geek LittleBits is a real "box with fairy tales", the possibilities of which are limited only by the user's imagination. The executive director of the project, Iyah Bdeir, believes that modular sets have a significant advantage over traditional gadgets, as they allow the user to define the functionality of the future device himself, and not impose ready-made solutions on him. On the other hand, LittleBits can be useful to the developers of electronic gadgets, as they provide a flexible platform for various experiments, and also allow you to save a lot of money and time at the design stage.
You can read more about LittleBits at Edurobotics .

Where can one buy

The original designer LittleBits sold on the official website . You can purchase as sets of various configurations (KITS), as well as separate modules (BITS).

In Chinese online stores you can buy analogs of LittleBits. These designers are Chinese manufacturers mark as “compatible with LittleBits”. For example, on Aliexpress there are a lot of analogues.

Analogs

Littlebits has a domestic equivalent this year. The project is called “Micro Parts”, but for now the guys have not gone further than creating an account on Instagram and the Vkontakte group . Interview with the founder of the project can be read here .
In Madrobots.ru we sell sets of Matryoshka and Electronics for beginners of the Amperk company. With this, we see that modular designers compatible with the Arduino are becoming more and more.
We will devote a separate article to them.

Text writer: Andrey Gasilin
Based on: Wired.com