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At Endless, our journey has been marked by a commitment to empowering communities through access to computing. Today, we take you behind the scenes of one of our pioneering projects – Hack Computer.
What was Hack Computer?
Hack Computer was a unique and ambitious initiative by Endless, designed to empower kids with the skills of coding and computational thinking. This laptop allowed children aged 8 and above to explore various learning pathways, including Art, Games, Makers, the Operating System, and Web. The ultimate goal was to teach kids how to hack their apps, games, and even the operating system itself.
Powered by the full Linux-based Endless operating system, Hack utilized real tools used by engineers and designers. This approach aimed to provide kids with a holistic understanding of the digital world, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Vision Behind Hack Computer
The vision behind Hack was rooted in cultivating digital literacy to empower the next generation with creative problem-solving skills. Beyond just equipping kids with coding skills, our goal was to lay a dynamic foundation for the thinkers of tomorrow. As kids progressed through Hack, they were encouraged to explore and satisfy their curiosity about how the world works.
Despite the common associations with the term 'hack,' we embraced it for its origin in creative problem-solving and empowerment over technology.
The Evolution of Strategy
As part of our commitment to constant innovation, Hack Computer was a project that played a crucial role in our journey. However, as we navigated the tech landscape, we realized the need to evolve our strategy. The decision was made to sunset the Hack Computer project in order to redirect our focus towards disconnected communities, device access, and game-making learning.
This strategic shift aligns with Endless overarching mission of empowering people with future-ready skills. Our free and robust Endless Operating System, now on more than 3 million computers in 60 countries, continues to serve this purpose. Endless Studios' games are available on Flathub for everyone using Endless OS or Linux to enjoy, carrying forward the legacy of fostering coding skills through playful exploration.
Reviews and Recognition
Hack Computer garnered attention from many industry leaders and media. Featured in Coding for Kids, The Family Tech magazine, Wired, and Parents, it also received an award from Parents Magazine. Reviews from Tech Age Kids and Family Tech Zone praised the laptop's potential to encourage coding, customization, and learning about the inner workings of computers.
Looking Ahead
As we bid farewell to Hack Computer, we invite you to explore other initiatives run by Endless that continue to shape the landscape of accessible computing. Our journey is marked by a commitment to innovation and a focus on empowering individuals and communities through technology.
To learn more about our current initiatives, we encourage you to explore the Endless OS Foundation and its impactful work here. Discover how Endless continues to make a difference in the world of computing.
For a visual overview of the Hack Computer project, check out this insightful video here. https://youtu.be/SN7tC4XnGko
At Endless, the end of one project is just the beginning of another. Join us as we continue to explore new horizons, make computing accessible to all, and shape the future of technology.