.NET Gadgeteer
Have you heard about .NET Gadgeteer?
.Net Gadgeteer is the powerful prototyping, cool hobbyist, unique teaching kit that was developed by the whizzes in Microsoft Research (yes – they like to play too). To learn more, check out a Channel 9 Video or simply watch the video below.
What is .NET Gadgeteer?
Microsoft .NET Gadgeteer is a rapid prototyping platform for small electronic gadgets and embedded hardware devices. It combines the advantages of object-oriented programming, solderless assembly of electronics using a kit of hardware modules, and quick physical enclosure fabrication using computer-aided design.
Individual .NET Gadgeteer modules can be easily connected together to construct both simple and sophisticated devices. Each module adds some extra capabilities, such as the ability to display images, playback sounds, take pictures, sense the environment, communicate with other devices or enable user interaction.
The platform is built on the .NET Micro Framework, which allows small devices to be programmed in the C# language and make use of Visual Studio’s programming and debugging tools.
This powerful combination allows fully functional devices to be prototyped in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.
How can you get your hands on one?
It's OK – we're used to that question. We hear it every time we show the .NET Gadgeteer. Well, Microsoft has decided to Open Source the designs (Creative Commons) and libraries (Apache 2.0) for the .NET Gadgeteer to see how fast we can get it out to people who want to use it. We are actively recruiting hardware vendors who are interested in developing kits and modules to build out this ecosystem. If that describes you, contact us at gadgeteer@microsoft.com for more information.
How long will it be until I can get one?
We had some redesign work to do to insure that the system could really be open to a wide variety of designs. We are there now so keep an eye on this space for updates.
In the meantime, where can I actually see the current devices?
The .NET Gadgeteer is being displayed at a number of venues in the next few months including MIX11, TechEd 2011, and OSCON 2011.
Visit the following URLs for more details, information and Source Code
Codeplex Source Code Download https://gadgeteer.codeplex.com/
MS Research .NET Gadgeteer site https://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/gadgeteer/default.aspx
.NET Gadgeteer Announcement site - https://netmf.com/gadgeteer/
Have something to add? Got a request or suggestion?
You can drop us a line at the same email address – gadgeteer@microsoft.com or follow us on Twitter at @netgadgeteer.
Comments
- Anonymous
August 02, 2011
Interested in Gadgeteer. Watch the following video of how easy and fun Gadgeteer can be, Gadgeteer will become a great resource for school, colleges and Universities http://youtu.be/wQlTLNOCl90 You can also pre order Gadgeteer part from www.ghielectronics.com/.../265