On Tuesday, Kickstarter alum, Kano, announced it was making its way to U.S. retail stores. The startup’s computer kits and screen kits will now be available to purchase online through Toys “R” Us and Barnes & Noble for the price of $149.99.
Alex Klein, CEO and co-founder of Kano, stated:
“As screen time becomes all-the-time, still, only a fraction of us know what is happening below the surface of the devices we often take for granted. Our award-winning computer kit allows customers to build their own computer, and teaches them to create art, music, apps, and games with code, demystifying a sealed world that is usually only for ‘experts.’ The natural next step was for us to partner with retail leaders Toys ‘R’ Us and Barnes & Noble who support our mission and have the ability to share Kano’s innovative products with children and adults alike nationwide.”
Toys “R” Us executive vice president, Richard Barry, commented:
“We are incredibly excited to add Kano to the growing assortment of STEM-related offerings at Toys ‘R’ Us, especially at a time where the next generation is more immersed in technology and parents are looking for ways to marry education, play, and real life skills that can truly impact their children’s future. This category is an important one on both a national and global scale and we look forward to introducing the world of coding to our U.S. customers who are looking for products that offer brain-boosting fun.”
Kathleen Campisano, vice president of Toys & Games at Barnes & Noble, added:
“Kano is a natural extension of Barnes & Noble’s ‘learning through doing’ offering and we are thrilling it will be a featured item this fall at our second annual Mini Maker Faire. Products like this help to further our commitment to encouraging tech literacy across the country at a time when it’s more important than ever.”
Kano first hit the web during a Kickstarter campaign back in November 2013 and raised $1.5 million from 13,000 backers. Since then, the computer has been in the spotlight. Each of its kits and apps is currently used in more than 500 education programs and 200 clubs across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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