91av

Technology

Programs wanted for old-style chips

18 March 2009

THE markets of Bangalore and Shanghai are stocked with simple 8-bit computers based on chips that consumers in wealthier nations stopped using years ago. Could these machines offer a way to provide children in India, China and other developing countries with educational software?

That is the idea behind , an organisation set up by researchers from the US, Brazil and India. The team is calling on public-spirited programmers to develop educational games for these simple machines.

Manufacturers in China alone sell 10 million 8-bit devices a year for around $10 each, says , a software researcher at the…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with 91av events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop