14 DAY TRIAL // We wouldn't be surprised to hear that most kids end up using a computer before they learn how to read and write the old fashioned way. Speaking of which, ZeroDesktop has no qualms about encouraging such a trend.
There is a new project on Kickstarter, called MiiPC and developed by the San Mateo, California-based company.
Called MiiPC, it is a very small, box-like computer powered by a Marvell dual-core central processing unit running at 1.2 GHz. 1 GB of RAM backs the ARM chip up, along with 4 GB of storage (upgradeable).
Other specs include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Ethernet, and a 1080p Full HD HDMI output.
MiiPC was made for parents that want to give their children access to the web, basic games, videos, and a means to research and/or write their homework.
It even has a mobile iOS or Android companion app that parents can install on their smartphones and tablets. Through it, they can monitor the PC use in real time and prevent access to nasty websites. They can even shut down the web to prevent the “addictiveness” from sinking its teeth in their offspring.
“MiiPC came out of my experience with my two kids,” said Young Song, co-founder of eMachines and ZeroDesktop inc.
“We think the Internet has opened up all sorts of possibilities and I love my children have access to information for their classes at the tip of their fingertips. However at the same time the Internet poses significant challenges for parents.”
MiiPC needs funding of at least $50,000 / 38,479 Euro, and a minimum pledge of $99 / 76 Euro if people actually expect a shipment, or $89 (68 Euro) for the first 200 backers.
“We developed MiiPC as a simple and elegant solution. It allows you to monitor your child's activity, but at the same time start an open and honest conversation with them about the content they're looking at and the time they spend on different tasks,” Song said.
